A career in football ranks at number 7 in the top jobs teens want in our 2026 Bitesize Careers survey. Working in football isn't just about being a top striker, or a world-class defender – there are so many more jobs within the football industry.
If you are thinking about a career working in football, then watch our 'how to' video to find out more about why this could be the right choice for you.
So you're into football? Did you know there's way more to it than just playing? Football's a huge industry packed with jobs behind the scenes. Big roles like journalists, social media managers, grounds persons, sports scientists and even travel agents booking players, transport and accommodation. There's also vital roles in health, physios, nutritionists and dieticians, as well as event teams, security, catering and retail. Keeping the stadium buzzing. And don't forget that any industry also needs admin staff. For some roles you'll need a degree, whilst for others you don't. You could join a college course in Sports Media, event management or Sports Science, or go down the apprenticeship route with football clubs or organisations. Remember that career advisors can help you understand your options. Many roles also need strong teamwork, communication and organisation skills.So get involved in school clubs or volunteer at your local football team. Football offers loads of ways to build a career that you love. So what type of footy career is for you?
What football careers are there?
There are so many different careers in the football industry, from roles in health and logistics, to broadcast media. If you have a passion for the sport, then there is a role for you. Here are just a few of the different types of jobs you could have working in football:
- Commentator
- Journalist
- Social media manager
- Sound and lighting engineer
- Camera operator
- Floor manager
- Referee
- Travel agent
- Physio
- Nutritionist
- Dietitian
- Event teams
- Security
- Green keeping
- Catering
- Retail
- Admin staff… and more!
What to expect if you want to work in football
Here are a selection of salaries and typical working hours for some of the roles mentioned above:
Football referee average salary: Variable
Football referee typical working hours: 36 to 38 hours per week
Physio average salary: £31,000 to £55,000 per year
Physio typical working hours: 35 to 40 hours per week
Camera operator average salary: Variable
Camera operator typical working hours: 39 to 41 hours per week
Sports commentator average salary: Variable
Sports commentator typical working hours: 39 to 42 hours per week
Green keeper average salary: £19,000 to £28,000 per year
Green keeper typical working hours: 39 to 42 hours per week
Sources: National Careers Service, GOV.UK.
What qualifications do you need to work in football?
Jobs in football are varied and for some roles you'll need a degree, but for others you won't. You could join a college course in sports media, event management, or sports science, or go down the apprenticeship route with football clubs or organisations.
You could also get involved in school sports clubs or volunteer at your local football club to improve your experience.
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.
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