The UK Strength and Conditioning Association’s Level 3 Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Trainer Award gives you a nationally recognised qualification and has been heavily subsidised by Sport Wales for coaches or PE teachers working in the Welsh Sporting System.
The course is:
We are now running subsidised courses in both Cardiff and Carmarthen. You can apply for the Cardiff course, or apply for the Carmarthen course. Deadline to apply - July 25th 2025. Final course dates will be finalised shortly.
To speak to the course leader email [javascript protected email address]
As a S&C Trainer, you will be taught the skills required to be fully qualified to deliver physical training to athletes taking part in sport (all the way from grassroots to elite level) in order to improve their performance and prevent injuries.
This includes learning how to teach and plan sessions for the development of:
| Foundation Movement Skills | Energy System Training | Strength Based Training | Speed Training |
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You will also be upskilled on the holistic nature of S&C coaching, including the underpinning science of training and planning as well as how to create an engaging and positive S&C environment.
Accessibility Note. This film shows people on the Strength and Conditioning Level 3 Award at Sport Wales. It begins with course leader Seb Moran talking about the course, and then a number of the participants explain why they are taking part in the course. All speakers are in the gym venue with other participants in the background.
You will be required to complete 5 assessments. The first 3 assessments will be practical and completed at the face-to-face sessions with your peers on the course. Once you have completed these, you are required to deliver a 12-week program to someone outside your course. The final assessments will consist of creating a portfolio and presenting to your course leader whilst you plan, deliver, and reflect on the 12-week program.
Practical Assessment A
Foundation movements coaching - coach a 20 minute session to a small group
Practical Assessment B
Coaching safety in the gym - spotting and failing safely
Practical Assessment C
Strength-based training assessment - coach a 40 minute session to an individual
Assessment D - Programming & Planning
With a real life participant, carry out a consultation, needs analysis, performance testing, and design a 12-week programme.
You will then present this work to your assessor, 1-to-1 (can be done via Teams/Zoom).
Assessment E - Impact Assessment & Reflective Practice
Deliver and submit evidence of programme changes, and reflective log. You will be required to present your reflections and complete an anatomy and physiology quiz.
In person sessions:
Cardiff
Carmarthen
After this, all assessments will be online and flexible. You will need to commit to coaching a participant (this would ideally be an athlete you already coach, but could be a family member or friend taking part in any level of sport) through an S&C program and keep a comprehensive portfolio of your planning & delivery over a period of 12-weeks.
Yes. Please let us know if you have any specific learning requirements or ongoing injuries which may impact your ability to take part in a practical session, and we will cater for these on your course.
Yes! If you already work through a NGB or school, the qualification should allow you deliver S&C as part of your employment and be covered on their existing liability policy. You can also decide to take out private insurance if you would like to do your own private S&C work outside of your organisation.
Whilst we recommend attending all face-to-face days to get the most out of the course, you will still be able to complete the qualification if you cannot attend one of the days/weekends. You may need to complete some catch up independent work at home, or come in during a weekday if you miss one of the practical assessments.