INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS
Welcome to the heart of our career-focused sports education — the Internship Scholarship Programme. This pathway opens the gateway to professional roles across sport, fitness, therapy, teaching, coaching, and media, offering hands-on experience alongside nationally recognised qualifications. Designed for those who aspire to build a future in sport beyond the pitch, it’s the most innovative and industry-connected programme in the East of England.
Read our 2026/2027 prospectus:
Football Scholarship Prospectus here.
THE GATEWAY INTO CAREERS IN SPORTS
THE MOST INNOVATIVE SPORTS EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND
🎓 The Internship Scholarship Pathway
The gateway into sports careers — beyond the pitch.
For learners passionate about sport but not necessarily focused on playing, the Internship Scholarship Pathway is a ground breaking route that blends academic study with hands-on professional experience. As one of the most innovative sports education programmes in the East of England, it’s designed to prepare students for genuine industry careers through practical, work-based learning.
A Career-Focused Education
Delivered in partnership with Virtual Learning UK (VLUK) — rated Ofsted “Good” (May 2024) — this pathway centres on the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching & Development, a two-year course equivalent to three A-Levels. Learners earn up to 168 UCAS points, opening doors to higher education or immediate entry into the sports industry.
Real Experience, Real Careers
What makes this programme stand out is its career-specialist pathways, where classroom learning meets weekly professional placements. Each student gains direct experience within their chosen area of sport, from coaching to media, all while completing industry-recognised qualifications.
Pathways include:
🏋️ Fitness Trainer Pathway – Work within strength & conditioning environments while achieving Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications.
💆 Sports Physical Therapy Pathway – Train in Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy, working hands-on with athletes from grassroots to semi-professional levels.
🏫 PE Teacher/Assistant Pathway – Gain experience in local partner schools, earning a Level 3 Award in Education & Training alongside your BTEC.
🎥 Creative Digital Media Pathway – Develop media, journalism, and digital production skills by working with our in-house content and social media team.
⚽ Football Coach Pathway – Coach within Holbeach United’s grassroots and academy programmes while earning FA and Refereeing qualifications.
📘 Education-Only Pathway – Focus solely on academic excellence with the full BTEC qualification.
Built Around You
Intern scholars are expected to demonstrate professionalism, organisation, adaptability, and independence — qualities that prepare them for the real world. Every intern completes 6–8 hours of monthly professional work experience, ensuring practical development alongside classroom success.
Your Future Starts Here
Graduates progress into university degrees, industry apprenticeships, or employment — with 100% success since the programme began. Many advance to HNC, HND, or BSc (Hons) qualifications through our internal higher education pathway, or move directly into fitness, therapy, coaching, and media roles across the sports sector.
Whether your ambition is to teach, coach, heal, analyse, or create, the Internship Scholarship gives you the tools, qualifications, and experience to make it happen.