Pathway · Step up
Academy Scholar to Professional Player (Lower Leagues)
How to move from Academy Scholar to Professional Player (Lower Leagues): what to learn, what to prove and what formal steps, if any, are needed.
Qualification check for Professional Player (Lower Leagues)
Not needed
No qualification is needed for the new role. Evidence of results, reputation and relationships decide this move. No qualification is required to play, but the players' union and leagues encourage study during a career because playing careers are short and uncertain.
4 to 7 yearstypical timeline
2new skills to build
1qualifications to consider
+530%mid-point UK pay change, illustrative
The move at a glance
Academy Scholar
A young player in a club development programme, combining daily training with study.
Professional Player (Lower Leagues)
A full-time player in second-tier, third-tier or lower professional leagues.
Skills and knowledge to build
Experience and routes that help
Qualifications to consider
What the new role asks of you
- Train full-time and play in league and cup matches
- Follow strength, nutrition and recovery programmes
- Prepare for life after playing with study or coaching work
Practical steps
- Ask for a small piece of the new role's work before you apply, for example one of the tasks above.
- Close the top gap first: Tactical Knowledge.
- Keep a record of two results that show you working at the next level.
- Talk to three people who do the job. Ask how they got in, and who they would recommend you speak to.