Think football careers are just for the players? Think again. The action on the pitch wouldn’t happen without a team of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes. From organising massive events to crunching data that shapes match strategies, there are endless ways to turn your love of football into a fulfilling career.
1. Start with a Master’s in Football Management
Ever thought about how football clubs are managed? Or how big sponsorship deals come together? A specialised master’s degree in football from the FBA: Football Business Academy can open the door to these opportunities. It’s not just about studying—you’ll gain insider knowledge, network with industry experts, and often get hands-on experience through internships.
This isn’t just about ticking a box on your CV. A football-focused degree shows clubs and organisations that you understand the unique challenges of the industry. Plus, many programmes are tailored to niche areas like sports marketing, event logistics, or player management.
2. Find Your Niche
Let’s be real: the football industry is massive, and trying to do everything will only slow you down. Do you love stats and data? Maybe analytics is your calling. Or perhaps you’re great at working with people—PR or community engagement could be the perfect fit.
Take a moment to ask yourself: what excites me most about football? Once you’ve figured that out, it’ll be easier to focus on building the right skills for your dream role.
3. Build Skills That Matter
Passion for football is fantastic, but employers are looking for skills. What do you bring to the table? If you’re aiming for roles like event management or operations, learn how to coordinate logistics or manage budgets. Interested in marketing? Familiarise yourself with digital tools like social media schedulers, email marketing platforms, or even video editing software.
For data-driven roles, learning tools like Excel, Python, or Tableau can make you a standout candidate. And don’t forget the softer skills. Communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are critical when working in the fast-moving world of football.
4. Get Hands-On Experience
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to land a job at a Premier League club on day one. Start small. Volunteer at local football clubs or community leagues. These smaller organisations often need help with marketing, operations, or social media, and they’re a great place to gain real-world experience.
Even unpaid gigs are valuable when you’re starting out. Every project you work on builds your CV and your confidence. Plus, smaller clubs can be great for learning multiple skills since you’re likely to wear a few different hats.
5. Make Networking Your Priority
The football industry runs on connections. Want to know the best way to land that dream job? Meet people who are already in the industry. Attend sports conferences, job fairs, and networking events. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, but make it personal—no one likes generic messages.
Here’s a tip: don’t just focus on asking for jobs. Build relationships. Show genuine interest in their work, and let those connections grow naturally. You’ll be surprised how often opportunities come from a casual chat or a mutual connection.
6. Stay Ahead of the Trends
Football is changing all the time. From new technologies in player performance tracking to shifts in marketing strategies, staying up to date is crucial. Employers want people who understand where the industry is headed, not just where it’s been.
Follow industry blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and listen to podcasts about the business side of football. This will not only keep you informed but also make you a more interesting (and impressive) candidate during interviews.
7. Get an Internship
Internships can be the golden ticket into the industry. Whether it’s with a football club, a sports marketing agency, or an event company, these roles give you hands-on experience and help you understand how things work behind the scenes.
The best part? Internships often lead to full-time roles. Even if they don’t, they give you a strong portfolio of work and invaluable connections. Don’t underestimate the power of a short-term role in shaping your long-term career.
8. Stay Resilient
Breaking into football isn’t always a smooth ride. It’s a competitive field, and you might face rejections or feel like progress is slow. But don’t let that put you off. Every small step—whether it’s volunteering, an internship, or attending a networking event—gets you closer to where you want to be.
Remember, persistence is key. Keep refining your skills, building your network, and looking for opportunities to grow. The journey might take time, but it’s worth it when you land that role you’ve been dreaming about.
Time to Get Started
Working behind the scenes in football is all about combining passion with effort. Whether you’re analysing player stats, organising events, or managing social media, every role contributes to the magic of the game. Now that you know what it takes, it’s time to start your journey. So, which step will you tackle first?
