Harrison Dunk, who retired from professional football in the summer after a 13-year career with Cambridge United, has taken on a new role in the legal team at the PFA.
Dunk, who made 464 appearances to become Cambridge’s fifth all-time appearance maker, has joined the PFA as a paralegal. He will work on player rights issues, advising members on football-related matters, and continue his legal studies.
Dunk, who was described by club owner Paul Barry as a “true great of Cambridge United”, combined his football career with studies at the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) with a view to becoming a fully qualified lawyer.
Dunk said that his new role with the PFA was something he was “really excited and optimistic about.”
“Over the past four or so years, I’ve studied and done work experience to make sure I’m in the best place possible for when I leave the game. I chose law because it opens a lot of doors and is a really good foundation to build on, wherever my career takes me.”
Dunk says that he hopes his own experience as a player will inform his work with the PFA’s current members. He also cited his own transition to a new career after football as an example of the need for players to think about their own futures.
“There are so many prominent issues affecting players at the moment.
“Players need protection, and the PFA plays a crucial role in fighting their corner – because players just want to focus on playing.”
“What I say to players now is just to not fear life after football. There’s a long life after retirement from the game, and it’s just about discovering what you want to do and what interests you.
The PFA’s CEO Maheta Molango, a qualified lawyer, studied for his legal qualifications whilst playing for clubs including Brighton, Wrexham and Oldham.
Commenting on Dunk’s appointment, Molango praised his work ethic and “desire to succeed.”
“I myself took a similar path to Harrison, studying for my legal qualifications whilst also playing professional football. Make no mistake, it’s incredibly tough, so Harrison deserves huge credit for that off-pitch commitment.
“Harrison’s football career speaks for itself. He led by example on the pitch and he’s someone who is really well-respected by players.
“He’s an excellent fit for the PFA and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
In the final week of August, Dunk returned to Cambridge with the PFA to attend a friendly fixture against the union’s squad of out-of-contract players, part of the PFA’s pre-season camp initiative.
