KICK START YOUR CAREER IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Embarking on a career in professional sport, especially football, can be challenging. In order to fulfil your ambition you need to take every step possible to give you the best chance of success.

Graduating in a sports-related profession is an exciting time for anyone hoping to forge a career in professional sport. But of course, this is only the first hurdle on the pathway to landing your dream job. While you may have attained a level of skill at degree level within your discipline, there remains a huge gap between graduate attainment and the knowledge base needed to practise at the highest level of professional sport.

In what is a hugely competitive industry, marginal gains within your job applications can often give you the edge by demonstrating a determined ambition to succeed in your aspirations.

The FMPA has launched an initiative to support new graduates through our MPA Diploma, ‘Preparation for work in professional football.” This online course bridges the gap from theory to practice and also gives you eligibility for a listing on our public Register of Practitioners (click to read more)

The diploma covers key topics not taught at undergraduate level.  The full programme can be found HERE.

“Opportunities rarely fall into your lap—you have to seek them out.  That’s the kind of proactive mindset that makes all the difference”

Eamonn Salmon FMPA CEO.

So, what should you do next?

1. Join the FMPA to get an insight into the industry and see what we provide to professional staff.

2. Enrol on the MPA Diploma and receive SIX months FREE membership of the FMPA.

3. Join your recognised professional body, for example CASES, SST, BASRAT, CSP etc

4. Gain some experience at your local amateur or semi-professional club.

5. Write to professional football clubs and enquire about any casual/work experience

6. If you are Healthcare Professional we advise you to complete the ITMIFF Course

7.  Access the FMPA Recruitment page for the latest vacancies within professional football.

“Within the evolutionary world of elite sport, it is key for support staff to understand the ever-changing environment in which they operate. Irrespective of qualifications and experience, staff need to enter the landscape and be skilled in aspects of emotional intelligence and self-awareness. The MPA diploma will assist practitioners in preparing for the pressures and expectations they will face when working in high performance.” – Ross Burbeary, Head of Football Development & Performance, Derby County FC

“The MPA diploma is an excellent resource and qualification to help newly graduated practitioners with the transition into professional sport – bridging the gap between formal education and the practicalities of the industry.” – Dr Russ Wrigley, Former Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine, Blackburn Rovers FC