Where do I start?
Figure out what you want to do. What are your interests? Do you like to be inside or outside, do you like to be creative, or help people? Make a list with things that give you energy, and a list with those that you find tiring. It might help to figure out what you like. Speak to former teammates, friends and family for their views. Your player association may have a personal development manager who can advise you.
What courses do you recommend for football players?
Everyone is different so you need to find out which course suits you. Many footballers would like to stay in the game, perhaps in coaching or in another club role. That’s fine but, remember, there is only a limited amount of such jobs in the industry. There are so many other jobs you can enjoy: we know of players that did a course to become a landscape gardener, journalist, airline pilot, physiotherapist, graphic designer, doctor, carpenter, teacher, and so on.
“Figure out what you want to do and don't be shy about asking for advice”
— by Nienke van Gerven, FIFPRO, player development manager
