Course overview
Learn practical skills, build confidence and take your next step towards a
career working in the sports turf industry.
Endorsed by Sussex Football Association and delivered in partnership with
industry partners, our Get Into Football Pitch Care programme provides an
exciting introduction to the world of sports turf and grounds maintenance.
Designed for learners who enjoy practical, hands-on learning, this
entry-level course offers the opportunity to develop real industry skills while
working outdoors. You’ll gain experience in maintaining sports surfaces, using
tools and equipment safely, carrying out routine grounds maintenance tasks and
understanding the professional standards expected within the sector.
Throughout the programme, you’ll build confidence, develop employability
skills and explore future opportunities in sports turf, horticulture and grounds
management.
Learners will work towards selected units from the City & Guilds Level 1
Practical Horticulture Skills qualification, providing a recognised foundation
for further study, apprenticeships or employment.
Why Choose This Course?
- Gain practical experience in sports turf and grounds maintenance
- Learn in real outdoor working environments
- Develop industry-relevant skills and workplace behaviours
- Build confidence, independence and employability skills
- Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
- Learn safe and effective use of horticultural tools and equipment
- Explore progression routes into further study, apprenticeships and
employment - Benefit from industry links with football and sports turf
organisations
Modules
This practical programme focuses on developing the essential skills needed to begin a career in the sports turf and grounds maintenance sector.
Sports Turf & Grounds Maintenance Skills
You’ll learn how to contribute to the maintenance and presentation of sports grounds through practical activities including:
- Preparing and maintaining outdoor areas
- Basic horticulture and grounds maintenance techniques
- Sports pitch line marking
- Maintaining safe, tidy and professional work environments
- Developing an understanding of sports turf management
- Introduction to grounds-related careers and employment opportunities
Tools, Equipment & Safe Working
Learners will develop confidence using industry-standard tools and equipment while learning:
- Safe working practices
- Tool and equipment selection
- Cleaning and storage procedures
- Risk awareness and health and safety requirements
- Professional workplace expectations
Sports Turf Mowing Skills
As part of the programme, you’ll gain practical experience in:
- Sports turf mowing techniques
- Routine turf maintenance activities
- Understanding turf quality and presentation standards
- Preparing pitches and sports surfaces for use
Employability & Workplace Skills
Alongside practical training, you’ll develop key skills valued by employers, including:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Reliability and punctuality
- Following instructions
- Problem-solving
- Professional behaviour in the workplace
How will I be assessed?
This programme is delivered through a practical, supportive approach that focuses on learning by doing.
You’ll take part in:
- Tutor demonstrations
- Practical outdoor activities
- Supervised skills development
- Independent tasks with support
- Classroom sessions covering essential theory
- Regular feedback and progress reviews
Learning activities are broken down into manageable steps, helping you build confidence, experience success and develop your skills at a pace that works for you.
Work experience opportunities may be available and learners will be encouraged to explore opportunities where suitable.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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