About Balderstone Sports Institute
Balderstone Sports Institute (BSI) has been at the forefront of high performance sports training and coaching in South Africa since 2004, and a leading sports education institution since 2008.
We have trained, guided, coached and educated hundreds of athletes across multiple sports disciplines. Many of these have gone on to achieve successful competitive careers.
The BSI Campus is situated in the heart of Bedfordview in Johannesburg, South Africa. The campus includes high school and college sections, a fitness centre, sports science department and recreation areas.
Course Details
The Certificate in Sports Coaching at BSI is a 1-year certification course that opens the pathway to a career in sports coaching. With the continued advancements in the professionalism and specialisation of sport, the coaching industry in South Africa and beyond is in great need of knowledgeable and competent coaches.
The course provides the learner with the knowledge and skills required to be an effective sports coach. The curriculum empowers the learners with an understanding of youth coaching, psychology of coaching, fundamentals of coaching, skills acquisition, sports science, communication, coaching technology and more.
Learners receive extensive practical coaching experience across BSI’s multiple sports, including football, rugby, basketball, tennis, athletics and golf. Our practical experience module involves learners firstly shadowing, then assisting, and eventually taking coaching sessions themselves. This access to both individual and team-based coaching experience, from grassroots to professional level provides unprecedented learning.
In addition, our extensive network of top level coaches, both internal and external, across so many sporting disciplines appear as guest speakers for the learners to hear of their journeys and coaching philosophies.
The strong theoretical base in the classroom combined with high levels of practical experience enables our graduates to be “work ready” in applying their knowledge and skills immediately upon graduation.
Successful graduates receive sports industry-recognized BSI Certification. BSI Certified graduates have gone on to excel in coaching careers around the world, including coaching at national level.
For those who wish to specialise in a particular sport, we highly recommend completing addition sports-specific coaching certifications through the relevant sports federation’s coaching pathway, such as CAF licenses (Football), Tennis South Africa, Cricket South Africa or SA Rugby. Please note that these are not included in the course fees.
We also provide learners with various internationally-recognised short course certifications as a compulsory part of the course
BSI Graduates Merisabel Mthimkhulu and Christabel Mthimkhulu (pictured above) have embarked on a tennis coaching career. They are currently working for world-renowned tennis coach John-Laffnie De Jager at JL Tennis Academy in Pretoria.
They have started the coaching pathway certifications with Tennis South Africa, having completed the initial Play Tennis Course which allows them to work with beginner adult players and children 10 years old and under.
Coaching Career Options
- Private Sports Coach (various sports)
- Team Coach (various sports)
- Sports Club Coach
- Kids Coaching Specialist
- Specialist Coach
- Sports Team Manager
- Academy Manager
- Sports Entrepreneur
- Sports Coach / Coordinator at education institutions
- Community-based sport development and mass participation programs
Course Modules
Fundamentals of Coaching:
- How to operate as a coach
- How to teach
- Safety requirements
- Individual and group coaching
- Skills Acquisition
- Practice and training methods
Coaching in Specific Context:
- Coaching individuals with disabilities
- Coaching with limited resources
- Coaching in communities
- Managing physical facilities
Psychology of Coaching:
- Leadership and mentorship
- Roles & responsibilities
- Ethics and values
- Motivation
- Reinforcement
- Avoiding burn-out
- The mental aspects of coaching
Youth Coaching:
- Coaching minors
- Safeguarding essentials
- Youth development
- Youth environment
- Needs of young athletes
Communication as a Coach:
- Communicating with clients
- Booking sessions
- Telephonic
- Using Coaching Technology
Sports Science:
- Nutrition
- Anatomy & physiology
- Injury prevention
- Periodization
Work Integrated Learning:
- Students are required to log work-based learning practical coaching hours.
All modules are compulsory and must be successfully completed.
Alumni Support
We support our graduates with industry-specific job opportunities through our exclusive Alumni Club, to which all successful graduates gain free access.
Who Should Apply?
- Applicants who are looking to pursue a successful career in sports coaching.
- Athletes who are looking for a sports certification course whilst continuing their sports development in a BSI training program.
- Applicants who want a solid overall foundation of knowledge and experience to kickstart a sports coaching career.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 Matriculation or an NQF level 4 equivalent.
Course Fees & Payment Option
Course Fee (monthly payment option): R22, 000 (R10, 000 + R1, 200 over 10 months)
Course Fee (upfront payment option 5% discount): R20, 900 (Payable before commencement)
Application Fee: R750 (Payable on submission of application)
*Fees include in-person lectures practical experience, exams, study material (electronic), student pack, graduation dinner, use of BSI Fitness Centre, BSI Alumni Club membership.
*Excludes sports training, sports federation certifications, accommodation, transport and meals.
Download the Sports Coaching Brochure
BSI Sports Coaching Application Form
Accreditation
Balderstone Sports Institute is provisionally registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Act. Registration certificate No. 2021/HE07/007.
The Certificate in Sports Coaching is a certification course and does not carry official academic credits. Graduates receive a BSI Certificate in Sports Coaching, which combined with sports-specific coaching certificates sets graduates up for a successful coaching career. The course can be combined at additional cost with BSI’s Higher Certificate in Sports Administration, which carries an NQF Level 5.
