Find Your Path
Some players look for football-related roles when they first leave the game, but the skills you pick up while playing are suitable for a wide range of careers. We’ve compiled a list of industries for you to consider, based on where former players have flourished in the past, but there are many other optional available too. Check out the list below for inspiration or get in touch with our team to talk through any roles you’re interested in pursuing.

Career Categories

Accountancy
There’s always a demand for qualified accountants across almost every sector, making it a solid choice for players looking for a career with real progression opportunities. Accountancy mostly involves monitoring profits for a company and translating financial information into a format that’s easy to understand.
While entry-level positions are available, most accountants have at least an undergraduate degree, then work towards successive qualifications to receive chartered status to maximise their earning potential. Financial backgrounds are also desirable for many senior-level positions within organisations, and starting out on an accounting career path could be great for your overall career trajectory.
Get in touch to find out about the accounting courses we recommend.
Financial Advisor
A background in professional football lends itself easily to careers in other results-driven industries such as finance, where many of your current skills would be beneficial. You’ll need to be fully trained, but once qualified, you’ll build your own portfolio of clients, securing your financial future as well as theirs.
Financial advisors work with clients to improve their financial planning. St James’s Place is a wealth-management group that offers a two-year career-change programme for players transitioning out of the game. Their academy programme has proven results, and has already helped several players find careers in wealth management.
Find out more about the St James’s Place Academy, or contact Chris Gray.


Teaching
Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding career path, ideal for players seeking stability, job satisfaction and the chance to lead a team. Passionate teachers are always highly prized, so there’s also scope for career development and international roles.
You’ll need a degree, a full DBS check and to have completed a teacher-training course, all of which we can support you with. More importantly, you’ll need good people-management skills and a real commitment to learning and sharing information with others.
Speak to our team to find out how we can help you fulfil your teaching ambitions.
Locksmithing
If you’re looking for something completely different to football, a career in locksmithing could be for you. Every home, commercial property and vehicle potentially requires locksmith services, so the scope and potential earnings in this industry are huge.
The PFA has formed a partnership with MPL Locksmith Training to provide accredited locksmith training for current and former footballers. As well as providing key locksmithing skills, the courses explain the potential business opportunities for those in the trade.
Find out more about the MPL courses or contact MPL directly at enquiries@mpl-locksmith-training.co.uk or on 01924 693293.


Personal Training
Working with experienced coaches, nutritionists and performance specialists gives football players a unique insight and a wealth of professional knowledge that would greatly benefit a career as a personal trainer. If you’re looking for an active post-playing career, personal training could be for you.
You already have an incredible understanding of fitness, and you could start helping your own clients reach their goals after taking a few short courses to become a qualified fitness instructor or trainer. Once certified, you could work privately, or for a gym. If you enjoy variety, rest assured no two days will be the same.
If you’re interested in becoming a qualified personal trainer, there are lots of flexible courses available, and some training providers even offer a discount for PFA members.
Get in touch with our Education team to find out more.