A shared dream of many, and possibly even yours, is to enter the realms of professional football. Boys and girls will grow up idolizing their favourite players and wishing to emulate their success. Sadly, for many these dreams will never become a reality.

This, however, doesn't have to be the end of your footballing journey. For those looking to work in the footballing world, there are numerous opportunities to be involved with some of the best clubs. The football industry is thriving with the European football market being worth £21.9 billion. This article will explore some of the top jobs available to you.

Football Coach

You don’t have to look far for famous coaching personalities. All great teams are known for their defining coaches whether it be the dominant Sir Alex Ferguson or the only man to ever go a premier league season unbeaten, Arsene Wenger.

As a footballing coach, you will be responsible for improving players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. You will be required to find the strengths and weaknesses of a player and provide guidance and advice on how that player can develop. Especially when working with young people, you should act as a role model, encourage, and give appropriate constructive criticism to players in your care.

You will also be required to carry out other tasks such as;

• Organising player logistics
• Attend staff meetings
• Recommend and recruit players
• Prepare and deliver coaching sessions
• Compose player reviews
• Maintain equipment

For you to become a football coach, you will need to complete a university degree in either coaching science or football coaching and development.

A particularly exciting course is run by the University Campus of Football Business, who offers football coaching courses as well as an opportunity to work at either UCFB Wembley London or UFCB Etihad Manchester stadium. In 2019, 90% of graduates of the course found work within 6 months of completion, with two-thirds being in the sporting world.

When fully qualified as a coach, there will be opportunities to move into amateur or low-level professional sides. It may be that you work in youth or academy football as opposed to going straight into senior football. As you gain experience you will be able to look for higher ranking or profile teams. Alternately, you may choose to go down a specialist coaching route in something that you specialize in e.g., goalkeeping.