Elite Pathways Academy (Post 16 Football)

At Elite Pathways, we combine football, education, and real-world sports opportunities to help every student reach their full potential — both on and off the pitch.

We're more than a football programme — we’re a community that grows together. Our aim is to build confident, employable young people ready for life in the sports industry and beyond. Whether you’re an aspiring player, coach, or future leader, you’ll be supported every step of the way to discover your strengths and shape your future.

Based in South East Kent, Elite Pathways Academy welcomes male and female players aged 16–19 of all abilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to belong, improve, and succeed. You’ll develop your game through professional coaching, gain valuable qualifications, and experience the teamwork and discipline that prepare you for careers in coaching, community sport, teaching, fitness, and other areas of the sports industry.

Our BTEC Level 3 Sport qualification boasts a 100% pass rate, giving every learner the foundation to progress into higher education or employment within the ever-growing sports sector. There is also an option to take a Business Course alongside the sports qualifications The course will allow learners to gain transferable skills and move to higher education in a sport-related or different sector in line with career aspirations. (The link to apply for the course is below)

The enrichment (coaching) practical element of the course will enable those to develop as far as their abilities and fitness will take them through adult football leagues.

The programme is designed as a 2-year, full time programme and will provide the following UCAS points:

P – 48, M – 96, D – 144, D* – 168

Most universities will accept the Pearson Level 3 Extended Diploma for entry onto degree courses without any additional Level 3 qualifications as long as the required grade is achieved.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Football development and Coaching (for Post 16 learners) has a range of modules allowing diversity for the learners to develop and learn many aspects within sport (focusing in the main on football) . The course will allow learners to gain an in-depth understanding of the sport and physical activity sector, acquire a number of practical and technical skills and give them the opportunity to investigate career opportunities.

The course requires learners to successfully complete 3 mandatory units and 15 additional units.

Examples of modules within the course are as follows :

Exercise, health and lifestyle

Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity

Sports Coaching

Principles of anatomy and physiology

The physiology of fitness

Fitness training and programming

Fitness testing for sport and exercise

Instructing physical activity and exercise

Practical team sports

Technical and tactical skills in sport

Assessing risk in sport

Organising sports events

Business in sport

Work experience in sport

Psychology for sports performance

Sports nutrition

An experienced tutor teaches the programme at Three Hills Sports Park, Folkestone. There are no exams. The coursework will be assessed through the work entered onto an on-line portal. Successful coursework will be marked as either Pass, Merit or Distinction for the units mentioned above.

The BTEC Course Level 3 Grades will be equivalent to 3 A levels - Business Course and Level 2 available

GCSE Retake for English and Maths are online through VLUK

We welcome students from all backgrounds and abilities, including impaired athletes, and are proud to offer an environment where everyone can belong, grow, and achieve their potential.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, where possible, including English Language and Maths (although this will not prevent entry to the programme where learners demonstrate appropriate behaviours and attitudes towards their ongoing English and Maths development) or a relevant Level 2 qualification, such as a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Business, plus an ability to operate at Level 2 in either English or Maths.

Entry is at the discretion of the centre, although learners should be 16 to undertake these qualifications

At Elite Pathways, we’re proud to work in partnership with The Sports Trust — a not-for-profit charity dedicated to breaking down barriers to sports participation and inspiring a life-long love of being active. Together we share the same vision — to create inclusive opportunities, develop potential, and celebrate the impact of sport at every level.

We provide clear routes and support for top level players to reach the highest levels of the game (Scholarships, Contracts and many team contacts to be able to place students at the correct level)

VLUK educates over 1,500 young people each year across the country, offering Level 2–5 programmes that combine innovation, inclusivity, and real-world learning. As part of the Oxford Virtual Education Group, VLUK provides seamless progression into higher education through UCS — empowering every learner to dream big and achieve more.

Our Subsidiary Company - Elite Community Coaching (UK) Ltd, based in Kent, delivers high-quality sport and PE across schools and communities. Their skilled, passionate coaches ensure every child enjoys and benefits from their activities (some Elite Pathways Students are employed during and after the course)