Arsenal in the Community have a long history of training the next generation of coaches, many of whom stay on with the club on completing their studies while many others go on to further education and careers in the sports industry. And it all starts here, at The Arsenal Hub.
The NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) is a two-year, full-time programme for learners aged 16 and over. It equips students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for careers in the sport and physical activity sectors. This diploma not only prepares students for the workplace, but also supports those interested in pursuing higher education.
Louis, who is 16 and from Wembley, is currently in his second year on the programme.
“I heard about the NCFE Sports Science and Coaching programme through a friend, and from the moment I looked into it I was impressed by the staff, the facilities and the depth in subjects we were going to study. I joined in September 2023 and haven’t looked back – it has been an incredible experience so far.”
It’s a similar story for fellow student Alisha, who is also aged 16. “I also heard about the course through a friend when I was in Year 11, and I officially joined in September 2023. I was already familiar with Arsenal in the Community because, in 2021, I participated in a football event at Market Road. It was an incredibly fun and competitive experience, and that event played a big role in inspiring me to join this course.”
The diploma is one of our longest-running courses, having started more than 30 years ago. It has been delivered in-house for a decade now and takes place in line with the academic timetable, on Mondays to Fridays, at The Arsenal Hub. We offer the course in partnership with North West London College of the United Colleges Group.
“One of the highlights for me has been the opportunity to get involved in the Primary Stars Premier League schools tournament,” says Louis. “Our class helped coordinate the tournament, officiate the games and support players on the day, which was a great way to gain hands-on experience and give back to the community.
“The practical side of the course has been amazing, especially taking part in our coach education sessions on Thursdays,” he adds. “There is a nice balance between the education and practical participation. Coaching the children from the local primary school every week at The Hub has been another highlight. It’s rewarding to pass on what I’ve learned, and I can already feel myself growing as a coach.”
“The NCFE course has been fantastic,” Alisha says. “Since joining, I’ve had the chance to referee at a Youth Premier League tournament, which was a great opportunity to build my confidence and skills as a referee. We’ve also taken part in a range of workshops, including sessions on sign language and gambling awareness, all of which have been informative and engaging. But my favourite part of the course has to be the coaching. Although it was out of my comfort zone at first, it’s now something I look forward to each week.”
While coaching is the primary focus, the course also offers opportunities to participate in events and workshops that further embed the students in the club.
“I was also lucky enough to take part in an adidas clothing event,” says Louis. “We got the opportunity to design our own T-shirts with cool, authentic branding and then visit the adidas store to create an outfit from the available products. It was a brilliant experience that I’ll always remember.
Supporting roles
One important – and sometimes unheralded – aspect of coaching is offering support, as our students have discovered themselves from the Arsenal in the Community coaches who teach the programme.
“In the beginning, I was quite nervous about joining a new environment where I didn’t know anyone,” says Alisha. “However, after a few ice-breaker activities, I quickly became comfortable and happy here at Arsenal. I started off only knowing one person, but now I talk to so many different people and have built some really strong friendships, including with the staff.
“Talking of which, the staff are amazing – they’re always helpful when it comes to assignments and are incredibly understanding and approachable if something isn’t going right.
“I did face some challenges at first, especially with structuring my assignments,” adds Louis. “But the support I’ve received from the teachers has been fantastic. They’ve been patient and always willing to help. Martin and Tony, in particular, have played a huge part in my progress. Their guidance and constructive feedback have really improved my understanding of the academic, football and coaching elements. The learning environment is welcoming and pushes you to become a better person.”
“This course has boosted my confidence and made me more open to trying new things,” says Alisha. “I’ve also learned so much about myself along the way. Being at Arsenal means a lot to me, especially knowing that so many people applied for the course and I was fortunate enough to be selected. It feels particularly rewarding to be part of something so special that not many people get the chance to experience.”
You don’t have to be an Arsenal supporter to take part, but for those who do follow the Gunners the course will only strengthen their bond with the club they love.
“Being part of Arsenal is such an honour for me, especially as a massive fan of the club,” says Louis. “Representing Arsenal makes me proud and motivates me to give my best every day. I feel so fortunate to be part of this programme and this amazing club.”
Coming full circle
Our courses can take participants to places they never expected to go – and we have one example from the NCFE programme right here at the club.
Niamh Coyle, who is now 25 and from Hackney, completed her diploma in 2017 before going on to study a BSc in Sports, Health and Exercise Psychology with Professional Development at Brunel University. That was the springboard for a career that has taken in roles at West Ham United, as a Foundation coach and first-team family liaison officer, and as football development officer at the London FA before she landed back at Arsenal as our Women’s first-team player liaison officer.
“My journey into football began naturally through playing,” she says. “But at 16 I was offered the opportunity to join the Arsenal NCFE course. At the time I wasn’t entirely sure which career path I wanted to pursue within sport, but the course opened my eyes to the many roles in football and the global effort required to bring the sport to life. It was during this course that I discovered my passion for player care.
“The course taught me the importance of networking and building a varied portfolio,” Niamh adds. “When I went on to university, having a broad range of hands-on experience made a strong impression on potential employers. Networking, especially, has been invaluable. Over the past decade, it has allowed me to access opportunities and gain expertise I might not have encountered otherwise.
“Two moments really stand out. The first was participating in a foreign exchange with students in Berlin, where we toured Hertha Berlin FC, coached in German schools, explored the Christmas markets and tried local cuisine. It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the global culture and community in football.
“The second was a project called Play On, where we collaborated with the Almeida Theatre to produce a play reflecting our experiences as young people in football. Writing our own pieces and seeing them performed onstage was a really creative way to share our perspectives.
“Now, I’m the player liaison officer for the Arsenal Women first team. My role is to guide new players from the moment they sign, taking them through their medicals, media introductions and helping them settle into life at Arsenal. From finding housing and schools to arranging transport, I aim to make each player’s transition as smooth as possible, especially for those relocating internationally. Every day brings new challenges, as each player has unique needs, but it’s rewarding to work together to find solutions.”
Highlights and future plans
Niamh has come a long way since her days as an Arsenal student, but her highlight came after a quick trip up the M40 to Molineux this March.
“The Continental Cup final against Chelsea last season was unforgettable,” she says. “It was my first experience preparing the team for a cup final, and my role included coordinating travel and ensuring friends and family could attend and have a memorable day. The game itself was intense, but lifting the trophy after extra time was exhilarating. Rushing onto the pitch to celebrate, surrounded by the incredible energy of our fans, is a memory I’ll always cherish. Watching the team sing and dance in the changing room afterwards really highlighted the joy and unity we share.”
For Niamh, though, the best is yet to come in terms of her job. “The growth of the women’s game is truly exciting, and my goal is to be part of that by developing a multi-disciplinary Player Care department within the Arsenal Women’s staff.
“I envision a holistic approach that supports every aspect of a player’s life to help them perform at their best while minimising off-field stressors. I believe this kind of support will become fundamental across football clubs in the future.”
If you’re interested in finding out about our course for 2025/26, click here.
For more information email Jack Ferguson here.
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