Tackling the future

Learning Fund Case Study: Professional Footballers Association Scotland (PFA Scotland)

Professional Footballers are in a unique position as, at a young age, they will all need to assess and change career paths. This presents an essential challenge that the PFA Scotland has risen to tackle through the implementation of a member-centred, union-led educational programme with interventions made from the start of members’ football career.

Over the past few years, PFA Scotland has organised a series of Kick Off events which are designed especially for first-year apprentices taking their first big step into the world of football. The events run in three locations across Scotland to ensure as many members as possible can participate. Valued by players and coaches alike, Kick Off covers areas that young footballers need as they begin their careers, from settling into the dressing room and managing life on social media, to understanding gambling risks and hearing real stories from ex-professionals who’ve been in their shoes.

My Future Now is an annual event focusing on second-year apprentices coming to the end of their contracts, and the options they can consider alongside and away from football. In February 2026, PFA Scotland organised and introduced a Careers Fair aimed at young players looking for employment opportunities beyond their playing careers. Taking place in Cumbernauld, the Careers Fair brought together young workers from multiple clubs based across central Scotland. The union worked with sister unions to engage unionised employers, alongside further and higher education providers. For footballers aiming to make the transition from football players to management roles, PFA Scotland has worked with Napier University to deliver the Applied Management in Football course. The transferable skills can be utilised both within the football industry and beyond.

Jane Ross had a remarkable 19-year career, having played at West Ham, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Rangers, in addition to scoring 62 goals over 146 appearances for Scotland. In preparation of hanging up her boots, Jane studied the Applied Management in Football course and is now the Youth and Women’s Football Development Officer at PFA Scotland.

Jane said, ‘Having navigated life as a professional footballer and experienced the decisions that come with planning for life beyond the game, I understand that each journey is personal. That’s why our Education and Employability support is completely tailored to our members’ goals, interests and pace’.

PFA Scotland recognises the need for an ongoing and diverse union-led learning programme. The union organises a broad learner-centred approach to support members in developing skills that can be used beyond their playing careers. Through the Learning Fund, PFA Scotland has run short accredited and non-accredited courses, including Podcasting, Manicure, Barbering and Barista skills which have led to learners securing jobs.

PFA Scotland Chairman and recently retired Ayr United defender, Michael Devlin, highlighted why he jumped at the chance to take part in the Barista course. ‘I love the social aspect of coffee. I’ve got a machine of my own and I’ve always liked the thought of maybe having my own shop in the future, after I retire’.

Chris Higgins, Player Services Manager, PFA Scotland, added, ‘it is never too early to start planning for the future’. Research has proven that studying or preparing for the future can actually help players’ football development. Players from across the leagues are already embarking on their own journey for the future’.