As England and Scotland prepare to take on Europe’s elite in the European Championships, a new book reveals to teenagers how they can work professionally in the game at the top level – without stepping out on to the pitch as a player.
Packed with incredible insights from a diverse range of football’s most successful professionals, 50 Ways Into Football: Dream Jobs On And Off The Pitch provides potential pathways into the sport - from designing Premier League kits to making the most successful global video games.
It features contributions from some of the sport’s household names and most successful professionals, including Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone plus CEO Paul Barber OBE, ‘Football Writer of the Year’ Henry Winter, sports psychologist Dr Pippa Grange and broadcaster Alan Shearer.
Wolves and the West Midlands are represented by the contributions of West Midlands Police’s Lizzie Lewandowski, who helps provide a variety of perspectives, alongside journalist David Ornstein, EA Sports’ John Shepherd and referee Chris Kavanagh.
The book itself is written by two industry insiders, best-selling children’s author and former FA Editor Dan Freedman and top football lawyer Daniel Geey, who has been responsible for some of the game’s biggest transfer deals. Plus, a foreword from England and Arsenal star Declan Rice.
50 Ways Into Football: Dream Jobs On And Off The Pitch launches on 13th June 2024, the eve of Euro 2024, as Scotland face hosts Germany in the opening match of the tournament whilst England prepare for their tough first group game against Denmark. This book will harness the inspiration both teams provide to young people during the tournament by helping teenagers visualise how they too can be part of their favourite sport. It’s a must-read for those who love football and want to be part of it.
Dan Freedman said: “The reaction to the book has been phenomenal. Every professional we mentioned the project to immediately wanted to be involved. So many of us were told the same thing when we were younger, ‘Forget about football and concentrate on getting a proper job’. We think it’s time to turn that on its head and say to the next generation, if football is what you love and are passionate about, let’s use that energy and find the right job for you in the industry.
“There is a place for everyone and the diversity of roles and people we feature in the book demonstrates that. We’re immensely grateful to Declan Rice, his family and all the other football experts that have contributed to the book and shared their expertise to guide the millions of young people that would like to follow in their footsteps. With the Euros around the corner, it’s set to be a great summer of football and we believe 50 Ways can help channel that passion into something hugely positive.”
