SERIOUS SPORTS TRAINING ACADEMY
Sports massage & personal trainer courses in the South East
Level 3 and 4 sports massage, Level 2 gym instructor and Level 3 personal trainer courses for learners across Sussex, Hampshire and the South East. Train in sports massage in person in Chichester, or study the gym instructor and personal trainer courses online and attend in person for assessment. Nutrition coaching details are being confirmed, so you can register interest now.

- Qualification
- Active IQ Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma)
- Location
- Taught in person in Chichester; the venue for each group is confirmed in writing before you pay
- Level 3 group
- Maximum 10 learners
- Current details
- Course dates confirmed once the group fills
LET’S FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Your goal.
Your route into training.
Changing career, building on a qualification, or just exploring? Work through the options with our course guide.
- Compare the kind of work each course prepares you for.
- Understand the published fee and practical commitment.
- Know what happens before you enrol.
Hi, I’m SSTA’s automated course guide. Tell me what you want to do, and I’ll help you find a sensible next step.
Course route finder
Sports massage and fitness courses
Compare sports massage, personal training and gym instructor courses. Start with the work you want to do, then check the qualification and attendance requirements for your route. Sports massage practical training is in Chichester. You can register interest from another town, but this does not confirm a local group, venue or place.
Our flagship courseFlagship practical route
Level 3 Sports Massage
Learn consultation, treatment and responsible professional practice through tutor-led practical training.
No specific prior qualification; physical readiness and Level 3 communication skills are expected
Online studyPrimary fitness route
Personal Training Diploma
Develop client assessment, programme design and coaching from a suitable Level 2 fitness foundation.
Suitable Level 2 Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing qualification
Online studyGym instruction foundation
Level 2 Fitness Coaching
Gain the knowledge and practical skills to plan, deliver, and supervise safe, effective exercise programmes in a gym or health club setting on this gym instructor course online.
Study online and attend in person only for assessment; confirm the exact award and fee
Qualification details being confirmed
Explore this course
Practical trainingAdvanced massage route
Level 4 Sports Massage
A planned Level 4 sports massage course for therapists who already hold Level 3: £1,997.99, with practical training in Chichester. The exact qualification, syllabus, assessment and dates are being confirmed.
A Level 3 sports massage qualification
Qualification details being confirmed
Explore this courseProgression
Level 4 follows an appropriate Level 3 Sports Massage foundation; it is not a separate first-step route.

What you will practise
Learn sports massage with tutor feedback
See a technique demonstrated, practise it yourself and get feedback while you learn. Our Level 3 Sports Massage teaching connects the theory to real client scenarios.
Consultation and assessment
Take a relevant client history, recognise contraindications and use your findings to plan an appropriate Level 3 treatment.
Practical technique
Build control and purpose across core sports massage techniques through demonstration, supervised repetition and feedback.
Client care and boundaries
Communicate clearly, manage risk and understand when Level 3 practice should stop, adapt or refer.
Assessment preparation
Connect theory to complete client scenarios, a case study, practical observation and tutor questioning.
A Level 3 learner’s experience
“I had always been interested in sport — I saw a sports massage course as a way to find employment in an industry I would feel at home in. I found the tutors Faz and Charli very experienced, sharing knowledge with confidence.”
How tutor feedback works
Practise with a tutor watching and helping.
After watching a demonstration, you practise while a tutor checks your technique and gives feedback. You will also discuss why a treatment is suitable and when to adapt it or refer a client.
Faz, SSTA tutor
Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist | Level 3 Personal Trainer | Level 2 Amateur Boxing Coach
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE A COURSE
Take the course buyer’s checklist with you.
Compare practical teaching, assessment, the qualification and the questions to ask before you commit.
Course questions
Ask about studying with SSTA
Ask us about entry requirements, practical training and the support available on each course.
Do I need a previous sports massage qualification?
Active IQ sets no specific prior qualification requirement. Performing sports massage is physically demanding and the qualification requires communication skills at Level 3. SSTA will confirm suitability and attendance before you commit.
When does the course run and what must I attend?
Course dates are confirmed once the group fills. Ask us about the next intake, practical attendance and how joining a group works before you decide.
How is the Level 3 qualification assessed?
Assessment includes a knowledge assessment, a case study, practical observation and questioning. The academy will explain the current assessment sequence and preparation requirements with the course information.
How much does the course cost?
The Level 3 Sports Massage course costs £1,997.99. You can pay in full, or pay a £197.99 deposit and then 3 × £600, 4 × £450, 6 × £300, with the same total. Ask about any course-specific costs before deciding.
FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Make time for a student massage.
Help a developing practitioner gain experience. Ask about an appointment at SSTA in Chichester.

