Fitness is a growing industry in the UK, and more than 400,000 people work in the sport and outdoor industries. And where better to learn your trade than in the stunning natural adventure playground of the Lake District. This is a job we would all look forward to getting up in the morning for!
Studying sports or outdoor adventure with us opens up a wide range of career opportunities, with many of our students going on to a degree or degree-level study at university in areas like sports science, PE teaching or a foundation degree in Sports Coaching & Development.
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Jobs available include sports coaches, physiotherapists, outdoor instructors, and sports centre managers. The college's location also means bucketloads of work placement and apprenticeship opportunities with local activity attractions.
There are indeed no better facilities around than the outdoor playground of the Lake District. From climbing the highest mountain in England to swimming or canoeing the longest lake and cycling over some of the most challenging passes, there are hands-on outdoor challenges at every corner. Tutors are ex-industry professionals, so even classroom-based lessons are inspiring and true to life.
Students will spend a significant amount of time outdoors on this course and will have the chance to work with local sports providers and outdoor activity centres. There will be visits to other parts of the UK, fundraising for overseas trips to places like Morocco, and working with local schools and the community to run outdoor activity sessions.
Part-time and full-time courses, plus apprenticeships, are available to study in sports & outdoor adventure at Kendal College.
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We have a good mix of practical and theory lessons, practical lessons usually involve facilities like the gym, rugby pitches or squash courts. Whilst theory involves physiology and coaching techniques.
Robbie Swift, Sport Coaching and Development Level 3
Meet your tutors
Josh Litten
Watch moreThe Lake District is the perfect location to study outdoor adventure. We have everything we need within a short drive, and it’s all excellent. The opportunities available through College offer a real insight into the world of adventure and the wide range of work or further study options in the local area. There is enormous value in developing your skills and experience on a course with like-minded and enthusiastic people.
Meet your tutors
Paul Aitken
I bring together twenty years of experience from the outdoor education industry in residential, commercial, youth, family, college, and school settings. Through this experience, my absolute priority has always been to provide quality learning experiences to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We can access exceptional outdoor learning environments with the Lake District National Park on our doorstep. Combining these with the units chosen by our expert team makes these courses the perfect choice for a career in outdoor education.
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On this course, you will study the theoretical side as well as getting involved in actual sports. Depending on your particular interest, you will be able to choose between outdoor education or team and individual sports. Above all, you will get the opportunity to get out and take part in the sports that you love.
If you have considered working in the Outdoor Education industry or have a passion for adventure, this course will arm you with the skills and knowledge to pursue your passion. Being based on the edge of the Lake District National Park, you will have access to a unique landscape in which to improve your skills. You will also have the option to complete a placement in an outdoor education centre, both for practical outdoor adventurous activities and to undertake a work-based project.
If you're interested in sports coaching, fitness instructing or the development of sport this is the course for you. The course will allow you to develop your organisational skills through planning sports events, motivational skills through delivering exercise sessions and leadership skills through the various additional courses that are completed on the course. You will benefit from taking part in sport at a variety of outstanding local facilities, including Carus Green Golf Club, Kendal Leisure Centre, Ulverston Tennis Centre, Kendal Squash Club. You will also benefit from small class sizes and will work with industry professionals in a variety of settings to support your career in the Sport and Leisure Industry.
There are over seven million participants in the fitness industry; therefore there is a clear need for every employee to be knowledgeable and competent in the health and fitness industry. The opportunities in the Active Leisure industry are very broad and this course is primarily designed for those working as or wanting to work as fitness instructors.
This course will prepare you for a career in the sport and active leisure industry as a personal trainer. It will allow you to plan and instruct individual and small group exercise to a range of different clients in a variety of settings.
