Footballer
Play football to entertain the fans and contribute towards your team's success.
Also known as: football player
About the job
What it takes to be a footballer
What it's like
Do you live and breathe the beautiful game? As a footballer, you'll get paid to represent a club and entertain its fans. You'll work hard to keep fit and you'll constantly practice to improve your skills.
Every club wants its footballers to bring success. So, you'll need to have exceptional footballing talent and the discipline to work hard to keep your body and mind in great condition.
You'll play as part of a team in a professional or semi-professional league. For example, some footballers play the game on a part-time basis. They'll train with their team several evenings per week, play matches at the weekend and do a different job during the day.
Footballers are very competitive people that work well as part of a team. At all levels, you might take part in community initiatives, such as helping coach local children and attending charity events.
You tasks might include:
playing in matches against other teams in your league
attending regular training sessions to improve your football skills and general fitness
focusing on tactics, sometimes watching videos of matches to analyse your strengths and weaknesses
working with specialists such as physiotherapists, sports psychologists, coaches and your team manager
acting on dietary and lifestyle advice from nutritionists and doctors
talking to journalists and appearing at media or advertising events on behalf of your club
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Football Association (SFA) – get information about pathways to professional football in Scotland
BBC Scotland YouTube channel – watch Sam Wardrop's challenge to reignite his football career within a year
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Footballer'
Select qualification level(s)
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- evaluating
- observation
- building relationships
- cooperating
- listening
- resilience
- motivating others
- taking responsibility
- self awareness
- persevering
What skills does a professional footballer need?
Top tips from a top striker
Ayr United's Anton Dowds shares what you'll need to thrive on the pitch
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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PE (Physical education)
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Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
You don't need any specific qualifications to do this job.
Footballers are usually spotted by scouts when playing for amateur or youth teams during their secondary school years. Talented players are then invited to train with a professional club and may be offered a contract once they leave school.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) offers an MA that can help you get started in professional football. Check out the Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance MA.
Footballers have generally been involved with sports clubs or amateur organisations from an early age.
Anton's route into professional football
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Footballer'
