Soccer has become a multi-billion dollar industry full of exciting jobs. The soccer industry offers a diverse range of roles for passionate individuals on and off the field.
Have you ever dreamed of stepping onto the Wembley Stadium, not as a fan, but as a vital member of a top-flight soccer team?
Or perhaps as the mastermind behind a groundbreaking marketing campaign that propels a young player to global stardom.
Then this guide is for you!
I’ve written this guide to take you through many career paths within the soccer industry. We’ll delve into both on-field and off-field roles. We’ll also explore the responsibilities, qualifications, and salary expectations of each position.
So whether you’re a budding player, a tactical mastermind, or a business-savvy enthusiast, this blog will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to land your dream soccer job.
Types of Soccer Jobs
On-Field Soccer Jobs
- Professional Soccer Player
- Goalkeeper Coach
- Fitness Coach
- Technical Director
- Tactical Analyst
- Soccer Referee
Coaching and Management Soccer Jobs
Medical and Support Staff
- Physiotherapist
- Sports Scientist
- Team Doctor
- Nutritionist
- Massage Therapist
- Psychologist
Scouting and Recruitment Soccer Jobs
- Scout
- Head of Scouting
- Recruitment Analyst
- Talent Identification Manager
Administrative and Executive Roles
- Club President
- General Manager
- Sporting Director
- Club Secretary
- Operations Manager
- Compliance Officer
- Club Administrator
Media and Communications Soccer Jobs
- Sports Journalist
- Commentator
- Analyst
- Presenter
- Social Media Manager
- Public Relations Officer
- Content Creator
- Photographer
- Videographer
Marketing and Commercial Roles
- Marketing Manager
- Sponsorship Manager
- Brand Manager
- Event Coordinator
- Sales Executive
Technical and Data Roles
- Data Analyst
- Performance Analyst
- Technical Scout
- Software Developer (Sports Tech)
Operations and Logistics Soccer Jobs
- Stadium Operations Manager
- Event Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- Ticketing Manager
Financial and Legal Roles
- Financial Analyst
- Accountant
- Club Treasurer
- Legal Advisor
- Contract Negotiator
Education and Development
- Academy Director
- Development Coach
- Education Coordinator
- Community Outreach Officer
Support and Maintenance Soccer Jobs
- Groundskeeper
- Equipment Manager
- Kit Manager
Additional Roles
- Agent
- Fan Engagement Officer
- Diversity and Inclusion Officer
- Volunteer Coordinator
Let’s now look at the key skills and qualifications for some of the most popular soccer jobs.
Key Skills and Qualifications for Soccer Jobs
Professional Soccer Players
The good thing about becoming a soccer player is that you don’t need any formal educational qualifications or certifications.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to become one. You need to have several key skills and attributes to be a professional soccer player.
- Technical Skills: Excellent ball control, dribbling, passing, shooting, and tackling abilities.
- Physical Fitness: Exceptional stamina, agility, speed, strength, and coordination.
- Tactical Awareness: Understanding of game strategies, positioning, and decision-making under pressure.
- Mental Strength: Resilience, determination, self-confidence, and the ability to handle pressure and setbacks.
- Teamwork: Collaboration with teammates, communication, and understanding of different roles and responsibilities.
- Discipline: Dedication to training, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following a strict regimen.
Qualifications
While not necessary, you can join youth academies or clubs to hone your skills and gain experience.
These academies offer structured training programs, competitive matches, and exposure to scouts and coaches.
Coaches
The coaches are the tactical minds behind the teams. They are responsible for player development, strategy, and team performance.
To become a soccer coach you need to have an excellent understanding of the game. On top of that, you can also get coaching certifications.
Here are the key skills required to become a soccer coach:
- Communication Skills
- You can clearly convey instructions and feedback to players.
- You have strong interpersonal skills for interacting with players, parents, and officials
- Leadership and Motivation
- You have the ability to inspire and motivate players to perform their best
- Technical Knowledge
- You need to have a deep understanding of soccer tactics, techniques, and rules
- You can analyze game situations and make strategic decisions
- Organization and Planning
- Efficiently planning training sessions and game strategies
- Managing schedules, logistics, and team administration
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving
- You’re flexible to adjust strategies based on game developments
- You can solve problems during matches and training
- Patience and Perseverance
- You can handle setbacks and maintain a positive attitude
- You are patient with players to develop their skills over time
Qualifications
To become a soccer coach, you will often require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
On top of that, you can improve your chances if you have a degree in sports science, physical education, or a related field.
Then, teams also look for potential coaches with prior playing experience at a competitive level. There are successful coaches (like Andres Vilas Boas) who became successful coaches without any playing experience.
But such examples are very rare.
Finally, to coach a top team, you need to first get some experience in smaller teams. You can get experience by coaching at youth or amateur levels. Or a professional team playing in a lower division.
Certifications
There are three types of certifications you can get for a coaching career in soccer.
- National Soccer Governing Body Certifications
- Certifications from national soccer federations (e.g., US Soccer, FA in England)
- Licensing levels (e.g., US Soccer Grassroots License, D License, C License, B License, A License, Pro License)
- International Coaching Certifications
- UEFA coaching licenses (e.g., UEFA B, UEFA A, UEFA Pro)
- Specialized Training Programs
- Certificates in youth coaching, goalkeeping, or fitness training
- Courses on sports psychology, nutrition, and injury prevention
Soccer Referees
Here are the key skills required to become a soccer referee:
- Knowledge of the Game: Thorough understanding of the rules and regulations of soccer.
- Decision-Making Skills: Ability to make quick, confident decisions under pressure.
- Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication with players, coaches, and other officials.
- Physical Fitness: High level of fitness to keep up with the pace of the game.
- Mental Toughness: Resilience to maintain composure in high-stress situations.
- Observational Skills: Sharp attention to detail to observe all aspects of play.
Certifications
- Referee certification programs (e.g., USSF Referee Program)
Sports Agent
Key Skills
- Negotiation and contract management
- Networking and relationship-building
- Knowledge of sports law and finance
- Marketing and branding
- Ethical decision-making and integrity
Qualifications/Certifications
- Sports management degrees
- Legal or business qualifications
- Certification from professional bodies (e.g., FIFA Agents Exam)
Sports Journalist/Broadcaster
Key Skills
- Writing and storytelling
- Interviewing and research skills
- On-camera presence and voice modulation (for broadcasters)
- Understanding of soccer tactics and history
- Social media and digital content creation
Qualifications/Certifications
- Journalism or communications degrees
- Specialized sports journalism courses
- Experience with media outlets or sports publications
Physiotherapist/Sports Scientist
Key Skills
- In-depth knowledge of human anatomy and sports injuries
- Rehabilitation and therapy techniques
- Fitness assessment and training program design
- Analytical and research skills
- Communication and patient care
Qualifications/Certifications
- Degrees in physiotherapy, sports science, or related fields
- Professional certifications (e.g., Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist – CSCS)
- Registration with professional bodies (e.g., Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)
Club Manager/Administrator
Key Skills
- Organizational and managerial skills
- Financial planning and budgeting
- Marketing and public relations
- Strategic planning and decision-making
- Communication and leadership
Qualifications/Certifications
- Degrees in sports management, business administration, or related fields
- Professional certifications (e.g., FIFA Diploma in Club Management)
- Experience in sports administration or management
Exploring Popular Soccer Jobs
Professional Soccer Player
Let’s look at the professional soccer player career in more detail.
Career Path
- Youth Academy/Development Programs
- Join a youth academy affiliated with a professional club
- Participate in local, regional, and national youth competitions
- Receive specialized training and development
- High School/College Soccer
- Play for high school or college teams to gain exposure
- Attend showcases and tournaments for scouting opportunities
- Professional Trials
- Signing a Professional Contract
- Begin with lower-tier or reserve teams
- Progress to the first team based on performance
- Professional Career
- Compete in professional leagues, domestic and international competitions
- Seek transfers to higher-tier clubs or leagues
- Maintain peak physical condition and performance
- Post-Retirement Opportunities
- Transition into coaching, sports management, broadcasting, or punditry
- Engage in mentorship or ambassadorial roles
Salary Range of Soccer Players
- Entry-Level/Lower Leagues: $25,000 to $50,000 per year
- Mid-Tier Leagues: $50,000 to $500,000 per year
- Top-Tier Leagues (e.g., Premier League, La Liga): $500,000 to $10 million+ per year
- Superstars (Top global players): $10 million to $50 million+ per year (including endorsements)
Soccer Coach
Career Path
- Playing Experience (Optional but Beneficial)
- Many coaches start as players. This helps them gain tactical and practical understanding of the game.
- Education and Training
- Obtain a relevant degree (e.g., Sports Science, Physical Education).
- Attend coaching courses and workshops.
- Coaching Certifications
- Obtain necessary coaching licenses (e.g., UEFA B License, USSF C License).
- Progress through advanced certifications (e.g., UEFA A License, USSF A License, UEFA Pro License).
- Youth and Amateur Coaching
- Start by coaching youth teams or local amateur clubs.
- Gain practical experience and build a coaching resume.
- Assistant Coaching Roles
- Work as an assistant coach at higher levels (e.g., semi-professional or professional clubs).
- Learn from experienced head coaches and refine your coaching skills.
- Head Coach Positions
- Take on head coach roles at lower-tier professional clubs.
- Demonstrate success and progress to higher levels.
- Top-Tier Coaching
- Aim for head coach positions in top-tier leagues and international teams.
- Build a reputation through achievements and networking.
- Continued Professional Development
- Engage in continuous learning and development.
- Attend advanced coaching seminars, workshops, and courses.
Salary Range of Soccer Coaches
- Youth/Amateur Level: $20,000 to $40,000 per year
- High School/College Level: $30,000 to $100,000 per year
- Lower-Tier Professional Clubs: $40,000 to $100,000 per year
- Mid-Tier Professional Clubs: $100,000 to $500,000 per year
- Top-Tier Professional Clubs: $500,000 to $5 million+ per year
- Elite Coaches (Top global clubs or national teams): $5 million to $20 million+ per year
Referee
Career Path
- Basic Officiating Training
- Start with local officiating courses and workshops.
- Learn the rules and mechanics of soccer refereeing.
- Local and Regional Officiating
- Officiate at local youth and amateur soccer matches.
- Certification and Licensing
- Obtain referee certifications from national or regional soccer associations (e.g., USSF Referee Program, FA Referees).
- Progression through Levels
- Move up through different levels of officiating (e.g., local, regional, state/provincial).
- Attend advanced training and seminars.
- Higher-Level Officiating
- Officiate at semi-professional and professional matches in lower leagues.
- Gain exposure and experience in higher-pressure environments.
- Elite Level Officiating
- Officiate in top-tier professional leagues and international competitions.
- Achieve recognition as a FIFA or equivalent international referee.
- Continued Development
- Stay updated with rule changes and officiating techniques.
- Attend annual assessments and fitness tests.
Salary Range of Soccer Referees
- Entry-Level (Local Youth/Amateur Matches): $20 to $50 per match
- Regional/State Level Matches: $50 to $200 per match
- Lower-Tier Professional Leagues: $100 to $500 per match
- Mid-Tier Professional Leagues: $500 to $1,500 per match
- Top-Tier Professional Leagues (e.g., Premier League, La Liga): $1000 to $5,000+ per match
Sports Journalist/Broadcaster
Career Path
- Education
- Obtain a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
- Specialize in sports journalism through coursework and internships.
- Internships and Entry-Level Positions
- Gain experience through internships at sports media outlets.
- Start in entry-level positions such as sports reporter or assistant journalist.
- Building a Portfolio
- Write articles, report on local sports events, and build a portfolio of work.
- Specialization and Expertise
- Choose a soccer specialization within sports journalism.
- Build expertise in specific leagues, teams, or players.
- Advancement to Reporter/Correspondent
- Progress to roles as a sports reporter or correspondent.
- Cover local, regional, or national soccer events and teams.
- Broadcasting Opportunities
- Pursue opportunities in sports broadcasting (radio, television, online streaming).
- Develop skills in on-camera presentation, commentary, and analysis.
- National and International Coverage
- Cover major soccer events, leagues, and tournaments nationally and internationally.
- Build a reputation and network within the sports media industry.
- Career Advancement
- Advance to senior roles such as sports editor, columnist, or anchor.
- Or transition into editorial or management positions within sports media.
Salary Range of Sports Journalists
- Entry-Level/Junior Positions: $30,000 to $50,000 per year
- Mid-Level/Senior Positions: $50,000 to $100,000+ per year
- Top-Level/Nationally Recognized Journalists: $100,000 to $500,000+ per year
Soccer Agent
Career Path
- Educational Background
- Obtain a degree in a relevant field such as sports management, law, business administration, or marketing.
- Courses in contract law, negotiation, and sports marketing are also beneficial.
- Understanding the Industry
- Gain a thorough understanding of the soccer industry, including player contracts, league regulations, and the transfer market.
- Stay updated on current trends and developments in soccer.
- Certification
- Start by working with an established sports agency or within a club’s management team.
- Build a network of contacts within the industry, including players, coaches, scouts, and club executives.
- Building a Client Base
- Begin representing young or lesser-known players to gain experience.
- Attend youth tournaments, games, and scouting events to discover potential clients.
- Developing Negotiation Skills
- Hone negotiation skills by handling smaller contracts and endorsements.
- Learn to manage all aspects of a player’s career, including transfers, contract renewals, and sponsorship deals.
- Establishing a Reputation
- Build a reputation for integrity, reliability, and effective negotiation.
- Manage high-profile deals to attract more prominent clients.
- Starting Your Own Agency (Optional)
- Consider starting your own sports agency once you have sufficient experience and a strong network.
- Hire additional staff to assist with client management, marketing, and legal aspects.
Salary Range of Soccer Agents
- Entry-Level Agents: $30,000 to $50,000 per year
- Mid-Level Agents: $50,000 to $150,000 per year
- Experienced Agents: $150,000 to $500,000 per year
- Top Agents (Managing High-Profile Players): $500,000 to $10 million+ per year
Earnings for soccer agents typically come from a percentage of the player’s contract and endorsement deals. So they get around 5-10% of the contract value and 10-20% of endorsement deals.
Soccer Scout
Career Path
- Education and Training
- Obtain a degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field (optional but beneficial).
- Take specialized scouting courses offered by professional organizations (e.g., The FA Level 1-4 in Talent Identification).
- Playing or Coaching Experience
- Gain experience as a player or coach to develop a deep understanding of the game.
- Build a network of contacts within the soccer industry.
- Entry-Level Scouting Positions
- Start with volunteer or part-time roles at local clubs or academies.
- Gain experience by scouting youth and amateur matches.
- Certification
- Obtain relevant scouting certifications from recognized bodies (e.g., Professional Football Scouts Association – PFSA).
- Networking and Building a Reputation
- Attend soccer matches, tournaments, and events to network with coaches, managers, and other scouts.
- Build a reputation for identifying talented players and providing accurate assessments.
- Professional Scouting Roles
- Progress to full-time scouting positions with professional clubs or scouting agencies.
- Specialize in a particular region, age group, or type of talent (e.g., youth talent, international players).
- Advanced Scouting Roles
- Move into senior scouting positions, such as head scout or chief scout, within a club.
- Take on responsibilities for leading a team of scouts and developing scouting strategies.
- Continued Professional Development
- Stay updated with the latest scouting techniques and technologies.
- Attend workshops, seminars, and continuous education programs.
Salary Range of Soccer Scouts
- Entry-Level Scouts: $20,000 to $40,000 per year
- Mid-Level Scouts: $40,000 to $80,000 per year
- Senior Scouts/Head Scouts: $80,000 to $150,000 per year
- Chief Scouts/Scouting Directors: $150,000 to $300,000+ per year
Sports Physiotherapist
Career Path
- Educational Background
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy (BPT) or physical therapy (DPT).
- Focus on courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation.
- Licensure and Certification
- Specialized Training in Sports Physiotherapy
- Pursue additional certifications or postgraduate courses in sports physiotherapy (e.g., Master’s in Sports Physiotherapy, CSCS – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist).
- Attend workshops and seminars specific to sports injuries and rehabilitation.
- Gaining Experience
- Start with internships or entry-level positions in clinics, hospitals, or sports organizations.
- Gain experience by working with athletes at various levels, from amateur to professional.
- Professional Development and Networking
- Join professional organizations (e.g., American Physical Therapy Association – APTA, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy – CSP).
- Attend conferences, workshops, and continuous education programs to stay updated with the latest practices and technologies.
- Advanced Positions and Specialization
- Move into specialized roles within sports teams, clubs, or sports medicine clinics.
- Develop expertise in specific areas such as injury prevention, rehabilitation, or performance enhancement.
- Leadership and Consultancy Roles
- Progress to senior roles such as lead physiotherapist, clinic director, or consultant for sports teams.
- Engage in research, teaching, or advisory positions within academic or professional organizations.
Salary Range of Physiotherapists
- Entry-Level Sports Physiotherapist: $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- Mid-Level Sports Physiotherapist: $60,000 to $90,000 per year
- Senior Sports Physiotherapist: $90,000 to $120,000+ per year
- Lead Physiotherapist for Professional Teams: $120,000 to $200,000+ per year
Marketer
Career Path
- Educational Background
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in marketing, sports management, business administration, or a related field.
- Courses in digital marketing, sports marketing, and consumer behavior are beneficial.
- Gaining Experience
- Start with internships or entry-level positions in marketing departments of sports clubs, agencies, or related organizations.
- Gain hands-on experience with marketing campaigns, social media management, and event promotion.
- Building a Portfolio
- Create a portfolio showcasing successful marketing campaigns and projects.
- Highlight experience in digital marketing, content creation, and audience engagement.
- Specialization in Sports Marketing
- Focus on roles within the sports industry, specifically soccer.
- Develop expertise in areas such as fan engagement, sponsorship activation, and brand management.
- Advanced Education and Certifications
- Pursue advanced degrees (e.g., MBA with a focus on sports management) or certifications in digital marketing, analytics, or sports marketing.
- Join professional organizations like the Sport Marketing Association (SMA) for networking and development opportunities.
- Mid-Level Marketing Roles
- Progress to roles such as marketing coordinator, social media manager, or brand manager within soccer organizations.
- Take on responsibilities for developing and executing marketing strategies, managing partnerships, and overseeing promotional activities.
- Senior Marketing Positions
- Move into senior roles such as marketing director, head of marketing, or VP of marketing.
- Lead the marketing team, develop long-term strategies, and manage significant marketing budgets.
- Executive Roles and Consultancy
- Aim for top executive positions such as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or become a marketing consultant for soccer clubs, leagues, or brands.
- Provide strategic direction, drive major marketing initiatives, and influence organizational growth.
Salary Range of Sports Marketers
- Entry-Level Marketing Positions: $35,000 to $50,000 per year
- Mid-Level Marketing Roles: $50,000 to $80,000 per year
- Senior Marketing Positions: $80,000 to $150,000 per year
- Executive Roles (e.g., CMO): $150,000 to $300,000+ per year
Club Manager/Administrator
Career Path
- Educational Background
- Obtain a degree in sports management, business administration, or a related field.
- Courses in finance, operations management, marketing, and human resources are beneficial.
- Gaining Experience
- Start with internships or entry-level positions in sports clubs, athletic departments, or sports organizations.
- Gain experience in various aspects of club operations, including administration, marketing, finance, and event management.
- Specialization and Professional Development
- Pursue specialized courses or certifications in sports management, leadership, and business operations.
- Mid-Level Management Roles
- Progress to roles such as assistant club manager, operations manager, or department head within a sports club.
- Take on responsibilities for overseeing specific areas such as member services, finance, or facilities management.
- Advanced Positions
- Move into senior management roles such as general manager, director of operations, or club manager.
- Lead multiple departments, manage budgets, develop strategic plans, and ensure the smooth running of club operations.
- Executive Roles
- Aim for top executive positions such as chief executive officer (CEO) or director of football (for soccer clubs).
- Provide overall leadership, set long-term goals, and drive the club’s strategic vision and growth.
Salary Range of Administrative Jobs in Soccer
- Entry-Level Positions: $30,000 to $50,000 per year
- Mid-Level Management Roles: $50,000 to $90,000 per year
- Senior Management Roles: $90,000 to $150,000 per year
- Executive Roles: $150,000 to $300,000+ per year
Thank You For Reading
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If you liked this article, you’ll love reading:
- How to Start Your Own Soccer Club: Complete Guide
- 15 Best Youth Soccer Academies in the World
- A Complete Guide on AYSO (American Youth Soccer): Schedule, Registration, Fees, etc.