Sports coaches provide essential support across programmes of all sizes and settings, working independently or in teams to plan, deliver and evaluate coaching sessions. They engage with participants, colleagues and stakeholders, monitor performance, ensure safety and promote development. With highly transferable skills, they inspire progression across environments while building foundations for future leadership and performance improvement responsibility and positive sporting experiences for individuals and communities alike.
Price and reassessment
Maximum funding: £9,000
Full EPA fee: £1,350
Reassessment:
- Work-based project and presentation: Remote: £250 | Face to Face: £350
- Practical observation: Face to Face: £300
- Professional discussion: Remote: £200 | Face to Face: £300
Gateway requirements
Before the apprentice can enter the EPA Gateway process, the following evidence is required:
- Gateway Declaration and Authentication Statement (this must be signed using an e-signature via a document signing service, such as DocuSign, or a wet signature)
- Achievement of Level 2 English and Maths
- Reasonable Adjustments Request Form, if applicable (this must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the EPA Gateway submission)
- Project outline in preparation for the project and presentation (for Assessment method 1)
- Coaching session outline for practical observation with questioning (for Assessment method 2)
- Portfolio of Evidence (for Assessment method 3)
If the apprentice is aged 16-18 years, they must have achieved English and Maths qualifications to at least Level 2. If the apprentice is aged 19+ when they begin their apprenticeship, the requirement for the attainment of these qualifications is optional (effective from 11th February 2025). Employers may choose whether these qualifications are necessary, and further details regarding funding can be found in the latest 2025/26 funding rules or 2026/27 funding Rules.
Assessment methods
- Assessment method 1: Work-based project and presentation with questioning
The apprentice completes a work-based project that delivers a real business benefit. The project is undertaken after Gateway and must be supported by an approved project outline. At the end of the project period, the apprentice submits a report and delivers a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session. - Assessment method 2: Coaching session plan and practical observation with questioning
The apprentice produces a coaching session plan, which is submitted at Gateway and approved by the independent assessor. The apprentice is then observed delivering the session in the workplace. The observation is followed by questioning to assess understanding and decision-making. - Assessment method 3: Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
The apprentice takes part in a structured professional discussion based on their portfolio of evidence. The portfolio is not directly assessed but supports the discussion by providing evidence of competence across the required knowledge, skills and behaviours.
See the specification document for full details.
