So you want to be a footballer?
‘So You Want to be a Footballer?’ is a careers book for those wanting to earn a living in football. Targeted at 14-16 year olds this book explains the many changes that have occurred in football since the introduction of the academy’s and centres of excellence.
With one in three 11 year old boys saying that they want to be a footballer when they grow up, this book is a reminder of the importance of having a plan B. This guide also highlights the broad range of jobs that exist within the football industry whether it is coaching, refereeing, being an agent or a sports journalist!
This compact guide explains what a scout will be looking for, what a player in the 2nd division will earn, routes in even if Arsenal or Manchester United fail to notice your ability and how to avoid dubious people who will promise you Barcelona on a plate.
Contents
Introduction
Back in the day
Academies
Centres of excellence
College courses
Other centres
Offers of a trial, but be careful!
Scouts (what they are looking for and where)
Under nine
Nine to twelve
Twelve to fourteen
Fourteen to sixteen
Sixteen to eighteen
What to do to get noticed
Wages
Contracts and registration
Clubs and agents
Clubs and parents
What you will have to give up!
What could go wrong
Women’s football
Football-related career opportunities
Careers in football
An agent
Coaching
Dietitian
Leisure management
Physiotherapist
Professional referee
Becoming a referee
Sports journalism
Getting ready for your interview (improving your skills)
What you can do to develop these attributes
Websites
Who we interviewed