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:
- CIMPSA-endorsed
- Run by professional S&C coaches with experience working in 16 different sports at the elite level
- Includes ongoing mentorship with Sport Wales S&C staff
- Heavily subsidised by Sport Wales - £600 (instead of up to £1,500)
- Is suitable for coaches at all levels, PE teachers and other sports leaders
Location: North Wales, Bangor University, Canolfan Brailsford campus.
Deadline to apply: 20th April 2026.
To speak to the course leader email seb.moran@sport.wales
There will be a Cardiff course, dates TBC, starting in September 2026.
What will I learn?
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:
- Foundational movement skills (improving an athlete’s ability to move their body efficiently and effectively)
- Energy systems (i.e. aerobic and anaerobic fitness)
- Strength and power
- Speed and agility
| 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.
- Understanding the role of the S+C Trainer - Deliver appropriate ‘performance led’ S+C programmes across a diverse range of participants. Understanding when to refer.
- Underpinning scientific basis of strength and conditioning - Apply the principles of training to deliver effective sessions.
- Effective training - Demonstrate, describe and coach effective movement, progressing/regressing where appropriate.
- Planning training programmes - Design and write medium term training plans based on a comprehensive needs analysis.
- Understanding technical models - Observe, Coach and feedback movement based agreed technical models.
- Effective coaching - Effectively engage, educate and communicate with participants across a wide background.
What does the course entail – what will be required of me?
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.
What is the time commitment?
In person sessions:
- June 6th and 7th 2026
- July 4th and 5th 2026
- August 8th and 9th 2026
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.
Do you cater for specific learning needs?
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.
Will this allow me to be insured/covered to deliver in a gym-based environment?
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.
What if I can’t make one of the weekend?
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.