Player Education

We want our players to have the best opportunities in life. We are proud to partner with Wigan Athletic in the Communities BTEC program, which is run at Laithwaite Park. This course offers young people aged 16-18 the chance to develop their sports skills while gaining a recognized and substantial BTEC qualification, equivalent to two A levels. For the more academic, an enhanced BTEC qualification can be taken, which is equivalent to three A levels. These qualifications are not only recognized as acceptable for entry to British universities but are also recognized worldwide. For further information,  see below.

The Wigan Athletic Community Trust Football and Education Programme offers both men's and women's Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC courses in sports coaching, combining education with high-level football training. All based at Laithwaite Park.

Men’s Programme:

  • Level 3 (2 years) and Level 2 (1 year) BTEC in Sports Coaching

  • Entry: GCSE Grade 4+ in 4 subjects (Level 3) or Grade 3+ in 3 subjects (Level 2, with resits in Maths & English)

  • Compete in the CEFA League

  • Free Wigan Athletic kit, UEFA-licensed coaching, and work placements

Women’s Programme:

  • Level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching (2 years)

  • Entry: Passion for football, competitive playing experience, and GCSE Grade 4+ in 4 subjects

  • Pathways to represent Wigan Athletic Women

Both programmes offer FA and UEFA-accredited qualifications, weekly bursaries (if applicable), functional skills support, and career opportunities in sport.

📞 Contact:

Our Cherrybrook Team Managers, mentor the community student coaches offering practical hands-on, real life coaching experiences which will help them realise their future ambitions.

Coach & Volunteer Education

At Cherrybrook, we ensure that all our coaches and volunteers meet the minimum FA requirements before they are entrusted with assisting the children.

All coaches have a minimum of a DBS check, a safeguarding for children certificate, emergency first aid, and the FA’s Playmaker qualification. Most of our coaches have also taken the FA’s Introduction to Coaching Course (Level 1). At Cherrybrook, we cover the cost of all these courses. However, this is not the limit for our coaches. We believe that education offers advancement not just to volunteers but can also spill over into work life. That’s why we encourage our volunteers to develop their coaching skills. (see Coaches’ Corner for more information)