NCEA Level 3 Sports Leadership and Performance

Lead. Coach. Inspire. 

If you’re passionate about sport, coaching, and making a real impact—this is the course for you.

This course offers a unique opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the world of sport, fitness, leadership, and adventure. You’ll gain nationally recognised Unit Standards that can count towards tertiary qualifications in the Sport, Fitness, and Recreation industries.

What to Expect:

Lead by Doing
Get hands-on through team-building challenges and an off-site, high-energy adventure-based learning and high ropes experience. This is where you grow your confidence, problem-solving, and leadership style.

Growing Coaches
Take part in engaging coach workshops, develop your craft through practical specialist sessions, and put it all into action coaching in real-life environments—on-site and at local primary/intermediate schools.

Why Choose Sports Leadership?

•  Learn in the real world—not just the classroom
•  Build practical skills in coaching, communication, and teamwork
•  Grow leadership abilities you’ll use for life
•  Contribute meaningfully to your school and community
•  Explore pathways into sport, fitness, health, and recreation industries

Whether you're dreaming of coaching, teaching, or leading others through sport, this course will equip you with the tools, mindset, and confidence to succeed.

Learn by leading. Lead by doing. Grow through sport.
Join the Level 3 Sports Leadership Performance course and step into your future.

Where Can Sports Leadership Take You?

Completing the Level 3 Sports Leadership Performance course opens doors to a wide range of career pathways, study options, and life experiences in the sport, fitness, and recreation industries.

Tertiary Study Options

Explore qualifications in sport and recreation at top institutes like the Ara Institute of Canterbury, and beyond:

• Bachelor of Sport Coaching – Develop skills in coaching, performance analysis, and athlete development.

• Bachelor of Sport and Exercise – Study human movement, performance, health and fitness.

• Bachelor of Recreation Management – Learn how to plan, manage, and lead recreation programmes and events.

• Diploma in Outdoor Recreation and Instruction – Train in adventure-based learning, guiding, and outdoor leadership.
  
  

Career Opportunities
These are some of the roles this course can help set you up for:

Sport & Fitness Industry

• Personal Trainer

• Strength & Conditioning Coach

• Fitness Instructor

• Sports Scientist

• Athlete Development Coach
  
  

Coaching & Management

• Sports Coach (school, community, elite level)

• Sport Development Officer

• Event Manager (sport & recreation events)

• Sport Management Professional
  
  

Outdoor & Adventure

• Outdoor Recreation Guide / Instructor

• Adventure Tourism Staff

• Camp America Counsellor

• Outdoor Education Specialist
  
  

Life Experiences & Gap Year

• Camp America – Work overseas as a camp leader, coach or instructor.

• Gap Year Experience – Travel while gaining leadership and coaching experience in a range of countries.
  
  

Elite Pathways

• Professional Sportsperson

• Performance Analyst

• Rehab & Recovery Support Roles
  
  

 This Course is Your Gateway

With practical coaching, adventure learning, and real-world leadership experience, this course is more than just a subject — it's your launchpad into the world of sport, fitness, leadership, and recreation.