Course
Level 3 Sports Massage Course
Whether you're starting a new career or adding sports massage to your existing fitness or therapy business, our Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy gives you the practical skills and confidence to assess clients, deliver effective treatments and support recovery from physical activity.
Learn in person at our world-class training venue with expert tutor support and gain a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for employment or progression to Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy.
✔ Nationally recognised qualification
✔ In-person training
✔ Premium training facility
✔ Expert tutor support
✔ Advanced Learner Loan eligible
✔ 0% interest payment plans available
✔ Progression to Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy
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Next Course Dates
- Sheffield - Start Date: 22nd Aug 2026
- Sheffield - Start Date: 7th Oct 2026
- Sheffield - Start Date: 6th Mar 2027
Click "Book Now" for full course dates
Cost: £1,350.00
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Course Summary
This practical 8-day course provides the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to deliver safe and effective sports massage.
You'll learn how to assess clients and identify treatment needs, perform pre-event, post-event and maintenance massage, improve recovery and reduce muscle tension, understand anatomy and soft tissue dysfunction, create treatment plans and provide aftercare advice and work professionally and safely within the massage industry.
Upon successful completion, you'll hold a nationally recognised qualification and be eligible to progress to Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy.
Complete both your Level 3 and Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy qualifications in one combined course and benefit from a reduced package price.
The Performance Massage course is fully endorsed by The General Council for Massage Therapy (GCMT) and developed in association with the Association for Soft Tissue Therapists (SMA).
How You're Taught
You'll learn through 8 days of in-person training. The face-to-face sessions combine classroom-based learning with hands-on practical training, allowing you to develop your sports massage techniques in a professional learning environment.
- Duration: 8 training days
- Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Delivery: Face-to-face
- Course Options: Weekend and selected evening dates available.
Please note that our evening courses are delivered over 12 weeks on one evening per week, starting at 6pm and finishing at 9pm each day.
You'll be learning in the same elite facilities used by Team GB athletes, at Sheffield's prestigious English Institute of Sport. Click the link below for further details about how to get there, accessibility and what's available.
Assessment
Assessment is completed throughout the qualification, allowing you to demonstrate both your theoretical knowledge and practical massage skills.
You'll complete:
- Practical massage observations
- Knowledge assessments (online exams)
- Case studies
Our tutors provide continuous feedback to help you build confidence and prepare for qualification.
Progression
Once qualified, you'll be able to offer sports massage treatments to active individuals, recreational exercisers and athletes. This qualification is ideal if you want to add sports massage to your existing business, work alongside gyms, sports clubs or rehabilitation teams, increase your earning potential as a fitness professional and / or progress onto our Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy qualification.
Entry Requirement
- Aged 16+
- No previous qualifications required
- Reasonable level of physical fitness
- Good reading, writing and communication skills
- Comfortable giving and receiving sports massage treatments
Modules
Throughout the course, you'll develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to work as a sports massage therapist. You'll cover the following units:
- Anatomy and physiology for sports massage therapy
- Professional practice in sports massage therapy
- Understand the principles of soft tissue dysfunction, injury, and repair
- Client consultation, assessment, and treatment planning for sports massage therapy
- Sports massage therapy treatments and aftercare
Fees & Funding
The fee for this course is £1350.00
- £100 deposit to secure your place
- Interest-free Envisage payment plans available
- Advanced Learner Loan available (19+ eligible learners)
- Employer-funded and invoice payment options accepted
- ELCAS Scheme is eligible for Military personnel