Sportscape Education

What Sportscape Education does

Sportscape Education is a UK-based private training provider specialising in sports education apprenticeships and accredited qualifications, founded in 2014/2015 and headquartered in Middlewich, England. The company delivers apprenticeship standards from Level 2 through Level 5 covering sports coaching, community activation, personal training, outdoor activity instruction, teaching assistance, early years education, and learning and skills teaching. It supplements apprenticeships with standalone accredited qualifications through partnerships with 1st4Sport (Levels 1–3) and the Leadership Skills Foundation, as well as BTEC vocational courses delivered via a League Football Education partnership at football clubs such as Walsall FC and Coventry City FC. The core delivery model is blended learning combining face-to-face training at Biddulph Youth and Community Zone with online components, supported by Century Learning (personalised functional skills) and the Athena LMS for progress tracking.

The company's revenue is predominantly government-funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and Education and Skills Funding Agency streams, with apprenticeships typically funded 85–100% depending on employer status, plus up to £3,000 in employer incentives per apprentice and up to £500 toward additional qualifications. Customer segments include employers (sports clubs, outdoor centres, schools, nurseries, football academies) and individual learners aged 14+ seeking career entry or retraining. Named customers include YMCA North Staffordshire, Everybody Health & Leisure, The Wingate Centre, Mount Cook Adventure Centre, Together Active, and Asha, plus multiple football clubs. The company is part of EMPHASIS Community Interest Company (CIC) since March 2025, which also includes sister company Sports Coaching Group and operates across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire.

As of late 2024 Sportscape Education reported training 25+ apprentices (excluding new cohorts and completed End Point Assessments), with Ofsted 'Good' grading across all areas (March 2023), 100% Government Quality Achievement Rates, and 80% distinctions on the Level 2 Community Activator Coach programme. The business is small — six employees with a 6-person operating team delivering across the West Midlands and North West of England, and no public revenue disclosure is available.

Name

Sportscape Education

Legal name

Sportscape Education

Website

https://sportscapeeducation.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sportscape Education is a UK private training provider delivering Level 2–5 apprenticeships and accredited qualifications in sports coaching, outdoor activity, personal training, teaching assistance, and early years education for employers and individual learners, funded primarily through government apprenticeship streams and delivered via a blended face-to-face and online model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Sport-Specific Skills Coaching (e.g., soccer, basketball, tennis) (HSADAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adventure Multi-Sport Camps & Skills Academies (THAAAKAM), Health Coaching & Lifestyle Coaching Education (EDAAAHAG), Outdoor, Adventure & Recreational Wellness Education (Hiking, Breathwork in Nature) (EDAAAHAO)

Keywords

• Sports apprenticeships
• Vocational training
• Education and training
• Apprenticeship programs
• Accredited qualifications

Headquarters

HQ city

Middlewich

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Apprenticeship Training: Apprenticeship training is primarily funded through the Apprenticeship Levy for large employers, or 85-95% funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency for other employers. This covers the educational delivery costs for apprenticeship programmes.
2. Functional Skills Support: Support for apprentices to achieve English and Maths qualifications through functional skills programmes, typically government-funded as part of apprenticeship provision.
3. Accredited Qualifications: Standalone qualifications ranging from Level 1 to Level 3 through partnership with 1st4Sport and Skills Leadership Foundation. These can be self-funded or employer-funded for upskilling employees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sportscape Education is a UK-based vocational training provider that delivers government-funded apprenticeship programmes (Levels 2 to 5) and accredited qualifications (Levels 1 to 3) focused on sports coaching, community activation, personal training, outdoor activity instruction, teaching assistance, and early years education. The company combines face-to-face classroom training at Biddulph Youth and Community Zone with online learning to provide a blended learning model for employers and apprentices across the sports and active leisure sector.

Product overview

Sportscape Education is an education and training provider specializing in sports education, offering a comprehensive portfolio of apprenticeship standards and accredited qualifications. The core offering consists of apprenticeships ranging from Level 2 to Level 5 across disciplines including sports coaching, community activation, health, outdoor activities, personal training, teaching assistance, and early years education. These are delivered alongside accredited qualifications through partnerships with 1st4Sport and Skills Leadership Foundation, plus vocational BTEC courses delivered in collaboration with League Football Education. The company operates a blended learning model combining face-to-face training at Biddulph Youth and Community Zone with online components, supported by functional skills and life skills programmes. As part of EMPHASIS Community Interest Company (CIC), Sportscape Education integrates with sister company Sports Coaching Group to provide expanded reach in education, mentoring, health, wellbeing, and inclusive sports participation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Level 2 Community Activator Coach Apprenticeship A 12-18 month apprenticeship standard that prepares apprentices for roles as sports coaches, activity leaders, and community workers delivering inclusive physical activity programmes.
• Level 3 Community, Sport and Health Officer Apprenticeship A 16-20 month apprenticeship focused on initiating behaviour change in local residents regarding engagement in sport and physical activity across local communities.
• Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship An 18-month apprenticeship for professionals working across childcare and education settings including nurseries, pre-schools, and schools, providing high-quality early education and care for children from birth to 5 years.
• Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship An apprenticeship for instructors who supervise and guide children and adults in outdoor activities including canoeing, sailing, climbing, surfing, cycling, hillwalking, archery, and bushcraft.
• Level 3 Personal Training Apprenticeship A 15-18 month apprenticeship for coaching clients on a one-to-one and small group basis towards their health and fitness goals.
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship An apprenticeship for teaching assistants working across primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, and further education institutions, supporting all learners.
• Level 4 Sports Coach Apprenticeship An advanced apprenticeship for individuals operating within the sport and physical activity sector, with focus areas in high-performance pathways, community clubs, and school environments.
• Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship An apprenticeship standard for educators teaching students aged 14 and above in Further Education and skills settings, including colleges, independent training providers, and adult community learning.
• Level 5 Outdoor Learning Specialist Apprenticeship An apprenticeship designed for individuals working in outdoor education centres or adventure businesses to progress into leadership roles, with 95-100% government funding available.
• 1st4Sport Level 1 Award for Activators (Multi-Skills) A qualification allowing learners to gain knowledge and skills to work as multi-skills sports coaches, organizing and running physical activity sessions for those aged 14 and over.
• 1st4Sport Level 2 Award in Multi-Skills Development in Sport A qualification designed for learners who already hold a Level 2 qualification in coaching, providing knowledge and skills to coach multi-skills and enhance sessions with fundamental movement and sports skills.
• 1st4Sport Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training A 3-year qualification developing knowledge, skills and confidence to become a personal trainer and deliver safe and effective personal training programmes. Awarded 10 CPD points with CIMSPA.
• Level 1 Qualification in Sports Leadership A three-day course for young people aged 12+ looking to develop leadership skills through sport, learning to lead small groups.
• Level 2 Qualification in Community Sports Leadership A nationally recognised course with 48 hours of guided learning, preparing learners to lead safe, enjoyable activities under supervision, ideal for those making a positive impact in schools or communities.
• Level 3 Qualification in Sports Leadership An advanced course enabling learners to lead inclusive sessions independently, carrying UCAS points for sixth formers pursuing sport-related university pathways.
• BTEC in Sports Excellence and Performance A vocational course delivered in partnership with League Football Education (LFE) for academy football education at clubs like Walsall FC and Coventry City FC.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% achievement and retention rates in Government QARs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• EMPHASIS Community Interest Company (CIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSportscape Education is part of EMPHASIS CIC, which enhances delivery in education, mentoring, health, wellbeing, and inclusive sports participation. EMPHASIS includes sister company Sports Coaching Group and operates across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Shropshire. Integration under EMPHASIS umbrella strengthens Sportscape's community focus and shared resources.
• League Football Education (LFE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with LFE enables delivery of academy football education, providing dynamic learning environments for football apprentices at clubs like Walsall FC. The collaboration provides academic knowledge alongside on-field skill development.
• 1st4SportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with 1st4Sport delivers accredited qualifications ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, including Activators, Multi-Skills Development, and Personal Training qualifications. These are nationally recognised coaching credentials.
• Leadership Skills FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Leadership Skills Foundation delivers qualifications in Sports Leadership at Levels 1, 2, and 3. These courses support personal growth, employability, and industry-relevant knowledge.
• Biddulph Youth and Community ZonecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMain classroom location partnership at Biddulph Youth and Community Zone. New classrooms opened in February 2026 include gym and dance room facilities. Partnership enables practical training alongside theoretical learning.
• Sports Coaching GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company under EMPHASIS CIC umbrella. Sports Coaching Group provides employment opportunities for apprentices while Sportscape Education delivers the educational component of apprenticeship programmes.
• Walsall FCsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBTEC programme delivery to football scholars through partnership with League Football Education. Sportscape Education provides academic education on nutrition, sports performance, and career skills alongside football training.
• Coventry City FCsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBTEC programme delivery to football scholars through partnership with League Football Education.
• Everybody Health & LeisureminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDelivered 1st4Sport Level 1 Award for Activators (Multi-Skills) to summer staff ahead of busy holiday provision period, equipping staff with skills to lead physical activity sessions.
• Together ActiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership delivering Level 1 Activator programme to young refugees and asylum seekers in North Staffordshire, developing leadership skills, confidence, and community connections.
• YMCA North StaffordshireminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner in delivering Level 1 Activator qualifications to young refugees and asylum seekers, supporting their integration and career development.
• Mount Cook Adventure CentreminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWorkshop location for Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor apprentices to gain hands-on experience in outdoor activities.
• The Wingate CentreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApprentice placement partner providing real-world learning opportunities for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and employment opportunities for Sportscape apprentices.
• AshaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner organization supporting delivery of training to refugees and asylum seekers in North Staffordshire.
• Port Vale, Stoke City, Staffordshire FAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCollaborative delivery of 1st4Sport Level 1 Activators course at Port Vale Football Club as part of Active Through Football Stoke Event.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lifetime Training: One of the largest UK independent apprenticeship training providers with active sport, fitness and leisure apprenticeship programmes delivered to employers nationwide. Highly comparable to Sportscape as it competes for the same Apprenticeship Levy and ESFA-funded cohorts across overlapping standards.
• Paragon Skills: Ofsted-rated UK apprenticeship provider operating across multiple sectors including sport, health and active leisure. Competes with Sportscape for the same Levy-paying employers and uses a similar blended-learning delivery model.
• Archimedes Training: UK apprenticeship provider with active sport, leisure and education standards, serving Levy-paying and SME employers with blended delivery. Operates in the same competitive set for Apprenticeship Levy share as Sportscape.
• Aspire Training Solutions: UK independent training provider delivering apprenticeship standards including sport, fitness and community activation programmes. Directly comparable in scale, funding mix and apprenticeship standard coverage to Sportscape Education.
• Sports Leaders UK: UK charity that delivers sports leadership qualifications at Levels 1–3 (the same qualifications Sportscape offers via its Leadership Skills Foundation partnership). Directly overlapping curriculum and target learner segment, including Duke of Edinburgh and early-career young leaders.

Broad incumbents

• NCFE: UK educational charity and awarding organisation offering vocational qualifications including in sport, active leisure and education. Provides an alternative qualification route for employers comparing Sportscape's apprenticeship and standalone offerings.
• City & Guilds: Major UK vocational awarding body whose qualifications underpin many apprenticeship standards and standalone certifications. Indirectly comparable as the broader credentialing infrastructure against which Sportscape's 1st4Sport/LSF stack is positioned.
• 1st4Sport Qualifications: UK awarding organisation and approved centre operator for sport-specific qualifications (Activator, Multi-Skills, Personal Training). Currently a Sportscape delivery partner, but also a competitor providing direct centre-based delivery for the same qualifications.
• Active IQ: UK awarding organisation for the active leisure, fitness and sport sector. Competes with 1st4Sport/Leadership Skills Foundation partnerships underpinning Sportscape's accredited qualification portfolio, particularly in Personal Training.

Others

• CIMSPA: Chartered professional body for the UK's sport and physical activity sector, including sector standards and CPD endorsement (Sportscape's Personal Training qualification carries CIMSPA CPD points). Functions as ecosystem infrastructure rather than a direct training competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/sportscapeeducation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sportscape-education

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sportscape Education