Footballer
What is the work like?
As a professional footballer you would play as part of a team at national and international matches.
Your day-to-day activities would vary depending on the level of your team, but at all levels you would:
- play in matches against other teams in your league
- attend regular training sessions to improve your skills and general fitness
- work on tactics, sometimes watching videos of matches to analyse your strengths and weaknesses
- work with specialists such as physiotherapists, sports psychologists, coaches and your team manager
- take advice on diet and lifestyle from nutritionists and doctors.
As a top player you may also give media interviews and be paid to promote products by appearing in adverts.
In the lower leagues you might take part in work in the community, such as helping to coach local children.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To have a chance of succeeding as a professional footballer you would usually begin learning football skills at an early age (possibly as young as nine or ten) and would usually need to be spotted by a club talent scout while playing for a school or youth team.
Most professional clubs run Football Academies or Centres of Excellence, where the most talented players can be trained from the age of nine upwards. Almost all professional footballers train in this way.
After training at an Academy or Centre of Excellence you could be given a professional contract. However, only around 10% of those who train have the opportunity of full-time employment.
If you are aged between 16 and 18, and have a high level of talent in football you may be able to enter an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, which would give you the opportunity to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.
What further training and development can I do?
At a Football Academy or Centre of Excellence you would combine football training with general education. This could lead to A level or equivalent qualifications.
On the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence you would work towards NVQ Level 3 in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.
Throughout your career as a footballer you would need to follow a strict training regime to keep up your skills and general fitness.
You can get advice and guidance on educational and vocational courses, in preparation for a second career, from the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) if you are a Football League or FA Premiership player and a member of the PFA. See PFA for details.
Where can I go for more information?
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Premiership players earn an average of £676,000 a year according to a survey by the Professional Footballers Association, although some 'celebrity' players earn much more.
Salaries are less in lower divisions.
Individual earnings vary widely depending on the reputation of the player, and on the club. Earnings can also be increased by performance related bonuses, appearance fees, endorsements and sponsorship.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually play in matches in the evening or at weekends, often at times scheduled to suit the media, particularly television companies.
You would travel with your club or national team to away matches all over the UK or abroad, which would involve spending time away from home.
You would train on most days, possibly starting early in the morning.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- exceptional footballing talent
- a competitive nature
- self-discipline
- commitment to improving your performance
- teamworking skills
- a high level of fitness and stamina
- the ability to cope with the stress of top matches
- persistence and determination.
What opportunities are there?
There are 20 clubs in the Premier League and 24 each in the Championship, First and Second Leagues. You could progress by transferring to a club higher in the league.
Although players who make it to the top of the profession achieve glamorous lifestyles and very high salaries, very few players reach this level, and many move into other careers after completing their apprenticeship at a club.
In some countries women play football professionally, but in England they play only at amateur level.
Your professional playing career would be short, and could be over by the time you are 35. It could also be interrupted or cut short by injury.
If you want to stay in sport after your playing career ends you could move into areas such as coaching, refereeing, team management, sports journalism or sports centre work.
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