Centre of Excellence - Sport

Wigan & Leigh College is a Centre of Excellence in Sport, dedicated to providing exceptional training programmes for the region’s aspiring sports professionals. Our world-class facilities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, athletics stadium, 3G AstroTurf pitches and indoor sports hall.

Located at Leigh College, which is situated at Leigh Sports Village, is a fantastic opportunity to study Sport, Sports Coaching and Sports Science in the multi million pound facilities. Our expert tutors are professionals within this industry and hold the highest qualifications in their field.

Career Opportunities

Our established Centre of Excellence is focused on raising aspirations through outstanding teaching. We deliver a wide range of courses, up to degree level. The following careers are just some of the paths our students choose to follow:

  • professional sportsperson
  • athlete
  • performance analyst
  • physiotherapist
  • sports and fitness nutritionist
  • sports development specialist
  • sports coach
  • leisure manager in exercise, health and fitness
  • exercise and fitness instructor
  • teacher

Around 371,800 people work in the sport industry in 176,000 businesses throughout the UK.There are a wide range of careers as well as sporting professionals, including personal trainers, sports coaches and sports scientists.

The typical salary for senior coaches, employed by National Governing Bodies or professional sports clubs, ranges from £30,000 to £35,000. Exercise physiologists employed in the sports sector may earn between £18,000 and £35,000. And for those in high-profile sport science, salaries can exceed £60,000 and may reach up to £100,000.

Excellence in Student Success and Achievements

Our students progress onto University, an apprenticeship or employment in their chosen career.

  • 100% Pass Rate on all Level 3 Courses
  • Sports & Leadership Academy - One of only 8 in the North West
  • Specialised Coaching, Leadership and Officiating qualifications
  • Football Academy, Rugby Academy and Sports & Leadership Academy
  • Partnership with Leigh Centurions and Wigan Athletic
  • Category 3 academy with Leigh Centurions, providing excellent opportunities for our learners

Industry Standard Facilities

Our students have access to real working environments and move into their chosen field with practical experience in live settings. Being located at the heart of Leigh Sports Village our students have access to state of the art facilities for sport, physical activity and education for the duration of their studies. Wigan & Leigh College is a Centre of Excellence in Sport, dedicated to providing exceptional training programmes for the region’s aspiring sports professionals. Our world-class facilities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, athletics stadium, 3G AstroTurf pitches and indoor sports hall.

Excellence in Partnerships and Employer Engagement

Our students engage in live industry projects with leading companies locally, nationally and internationally. There are excellent opportunities to gain practical experience, in the last few years including:-

  • Leigh Centurions Rugby League Academy
  • Leigh Sports Village
  • Wigan Youth Zone
  • Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles
  • Canals & Rivers Trust
  • Annual training camp in Portugal at Benfica
  • Wigan Athletic Community Trust

EXPERT TUTORS

Our tutors are time-served experts in their field and hold qualifications up to Masters and Post Graduate level. They have a variety of sporting backgrounds, relevant to students’ areas of study, and they continue with professional development to stay ahead of their game.

Our Expert Sport Tutors

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Kieron Purtill
Head of Rugby Department
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Hayley Vincent
Lecturer
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Gareth Hayes
Head of the Department of Sport & Public Services
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Katie Mann
Lecturer in Sport Coaching & Leadership

Explore Our Facilities

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Athletics Track
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Fitness Suite
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Indoor Sports Centre