FIFPRO is launching a manual to help prepare footballers for life beyond sport.

Preparing players for life after football is a priority for Danish player association Spillerforeningen. At the heart of their programme is Rasmus Haagensen, who set up a dedicated player development unit over 10 years ago.

FIFPRO spoke to the Scottish player union about encouraging players to learn a new skill for life beyond football.

Released by Manchester City as a 16 year old, Laurie Bell explains in his latest column what happened next, and makes some recommendations to his fellow professional footballers.

FIFPRO spoke with Chris Higgins who, alongside his playing career, is also working at PFA Scotland as player development manager.

Goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders has experienced a unique route into professional football – via Wall Street. Raised in New York, the former England youth international recounts her transition from the world of finance to playing professionally in Europe.

Over 100 player development managers – 27 from FIFPRO – attended the three-day event on 21-23 June 2022, which focused on planning for the future of player development and wellbeing.

As a professional footballer, you most likely have more free time because of the coronavirus, so now is a good time to invest in your personal development and start looking ahead to a second career. Nienke van Gerven, a player development manager at FIFPRO.

Gareth Farrelly has progressed from playing in the Premier League to becoming a member of its prestigious judicial panel. Farrelly, who left school at aged 16, admits he had never sent an email as a player in the top English league for Everton and Bolton. He played against some big names in football including Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand (see picture).

•Chilean footballer Hugo Bascuñán runs a food truck called 'Football Lover' •His sandwiches are named after players including Maradona, Vidal and Ronaldo •He sells 150 a day, inspiring teammates to consider starting their own businesses