Dr Chris Platts worked in Academia for over 15 years studying the work of professional footballers. He presented and published on the international stage before starting chrisplatts.co.uk
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between education and professional football. So let me be clear on this. Undertaking education alongside your playing career makes you a better player.
While I believe the academy system will still be there in 20 or 30 years, and I see there are many good people working in it, it is outdated, misfocused and, in many cases, irrelevant.
A football scholarship isn’t just about the game; it is about growing into the kind of person who can thrive on and off the pitch throughout a career.
Behind every professional prospect is a young person learning about themselves, the sport, and, of course, the world. Education and development should be built on support and growth, not fear and punishment. It is up to us to take control of that.
The takeaway is simple but powerful: Don’t let geography limit your football dreams. Whether you’re a player or a parent guiding one, broaden your horizons. Think globally, act boldly, and see football for what it truly is—a game that offers opportunities far beyond your backyard.
For young players who have just been offered professional contracts, the next phase is likely to be entering under-21 squads. But there is a hidden danger to this, and you need to be aware of it.
Making the most of time in a professional football academy means understanding what you are entering. I speak with Heads of Academies, Player Care Officers and Coaches weekly, and all speak about the same thing... "at the end of the day, we're a business"
Let's be clear, professional football is a high-risk occupation, with research showing injury rates as high as 0.40 per player per season at the academy level.
In as little as 12 weeks, you can begin your journey, independent of the club, on learning the inside game the clubs are playing, develop a career playbook with tangible goals to work towards and plans for dealing with events and have a clear mind on what the future will hold.
Curtis Joseph, Roberto Baggio, John Arne Riise, Paul Merson, Lee Hendrie, Andriy Shevchenko, David James, Vinnie Jones, Paul Gascoigne, Ravel Morrison, Adrian Mutu, Kieron Dyer, Jon Bostock, Fabio de Silva…
Instead of thinking "are we making the right decision?", we should be asking "what is the decision we feel most comfortable with right now?" And once that decision has been made, ask "How do we make sure, we make the most of the opportunities that flow from that decision".
We need to develop a 'turn-back time' before reaching a scholarship or a professional contract. Set out, before the ascent begins, what the young player and family are happy to carry on with and what they are not.
I have launched a four-part online course, which builds on the live sessions I have been doing in clubs. It is for young players and their families to engage with and gives a clear set of frameworks to assess whether university is right for you.
