At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in stadium operations, media, and commercial partnerships.
- Company: Join Birmingham City FC, a club with a rich history and exciting future.
- Benefits: Receive mentorship, develop transferable skills, and build a professional network.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Transition from player to professional with real-world experience in the football industry.
- Qualifications: Current or former professional footballer with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park
Contract: Fixed Term – 12 Months (3 x 4-month rotations)
Reports to: Department Leads
Birmingham City are partnering with the PFA & EFL to offer an opportunity to help former players and scholars move into meaningful, long-term careers away from the pitch. Administered by League Football Education (LFE), the scheme creates funded, year-long placements for former players and scholars to gain experience in non-coaching roles at EFL clubs, with a view to keeping football experience within the game and supporting members as they transition into new careers.
OPPS roles are open to all PFA members, and successful candidates receive structured support, training, and development over the year.
Overview of the opportunity
This 12-month rotational programme is designed to support current and former professional players in developing off-pitch careers within the football industry. Delivered in partnership with the PFA, the scheme offers hands-on experience across three core operational areas of the club:
- Stadium Operations
- Media & Communications
- Commercial & Partnerships
Participants will gain a broad understanding of how a modern football club operates, develop transferable skills, and build a strong foundation for a future career in sport.
Programme Structure
The placement consists of three 4-month rotations, providing exposure to different business functions:
- Stadium Operations (Months 1–4)
- Support matchday planning and delivery, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for supporters
- Assist with logistics, including stewarding, crowd management, and stadium readiness
- Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders (security, local authorities)
- Contribute to operational planning documents, risk assessments, and post-event reviews
- Develop an understanding of safety regulations and compliance
- Media & Communications (Months 5–8)
- Assist in the creation and delivery of club content across digital and social platforms
- Support matchday media operations, including accreditation and press requirements
- Draft written content (website, social media captions, internal communications)
- Engage with the wider marketing team to support interviews, features, and campaigns
- Monitor media coverage and produce reports on performance and engagement
- Commercial & Partnerships (Months 9–12)
- Support the delivery of sponsor activations and partnership campaigns
- Assist with matchday hospitality and corporate experiences
- Contribute to sales materials, proposals, and partnership presentations
- Maintain strong relationships with commercial partners
- Conduct research to identify new partnership opportunities and market trends
Key Responsibilities Across the Programme
- Demonstrate professionalism and adaptability across all departments
- Contribute proactively to team objectives and departmental projects
- Build strong relationships with colleagues across the club
- Apply learning from each rotation to enhance overall performance
- Complete any required learning or development modules linked to the programme
What We’re Looking For in You
Essential
- Current or former professional footballer (aligned to PFA programme criteria)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment
- High level of organisation and attention to detail
- Passion for football and interest in the business side of sport
- Ability to work flexible hours, including matchdays, evenings, and weekends
Desirable
- Previous experience in a workplace or club environment
- Basic understanding of sports media, operations, or commercial functions
- IT literacy, including Microsoft Office and social media platforms
What You’ll Gain
- Practical, real-world experience across key football business functions
- Mentorship from experienced professionals across departments
- A strong professional network within the football industry
- Transferable skills in operations, communications, and commercial delivery
- A clear pathway towards a full-time role within sport or related industries
The Benefits of Being Blues
At Birmingham City Football Club, we put people at the heart of everything we do. When you join the Club, you become part of the Blues family — and that comes with a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work.
Safeguarding
Birmingham City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. The safety and wellbeing of all individuals within our care is paramount, and all staff are expected to share and uphold this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and will be required to complete safeguarding training as part of the recruitment and induction process.
Birmingham City FC is proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Candidates are assessed solely on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or caring responsibilities. We value diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know when applying.
Off Pitch Pathway Scheme in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Football Club
Birmingham City Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development within the realm of sports education. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the club provides attractive benefits such as matchday tickets and a comprehensive pension scheme, all while promoting a culture of teamwork and innovation in the heart of Birmingham.
Contact Details:
Birmingham City Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Off Pitch Pathway Scheme in Birmingham
✨Get in the Game with Sports Events
One of the best ways to land a placement in sports and recreation management is to get out there and attend local sports events. Whether it's a match or a community sports day, you can network with professionals and showcase your enthusiasm for the industry. Plus, it gives you a chance to meet people who work for clubs or organisations that might be hiring!
✨Join Sports Management Communities
Don't underestimate the power of community! Join sports management groups or forums online where industry insiders share job openings and advice. Participating in discussions not only boosts your visibility but can also lead you to hidden placement opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Since you’re on the hunt for a placement, make sure to tap into your university’s career services. They often have partnerships with local sports teams and organisations looking for placements. You could even find exclusive job fairs that focus specifically on sports and recreation.
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Make sure your social media presence reflects your passion for sports and recreation! Share insights, articles, or even create content related to sports management. This not only shows potential employers your knowledge but can make you more approachable for placement opportunities—and don’t forget to reach out about placements directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Off Pitch Pathway Scheme in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:This is your chance to shine a light on your love for sports and recreation. In your cover letter, include any relevant experiences like volunteering at local sports events or managing a team. Let us know how these experiences have sparked your passion for the industry and what you aim to learn on this placement!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to highlight skills that are key in sports and recreation management like organisation, teamwork, and communication. If you've taken any courses or received certifications related to sports management, definitely mention those in your CV to show off your knowledge and commitment!
Include Your Achievements:We love to see quantifiable achievements! If you’ve organised events, led teams, or improved participation in a sports programme, include those stats in your application. This not only showcases your impact but also indicates you know how to achieve results in a practical setting.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for Birmingham City Football Club and the Off Pitch Pathway Scheme role. Use the job description as a guide to highlight your experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for. A personalised application shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Football Club
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In sports-recreation management, they're likely going to want to hear about any experience you have in organising events. Be prepared to discuss any projects you've worked on – even if they were uni-based or volunteer roles. Sharing specific examples of how you managed logistics or engaged participants can really set you apart!
✨Know the Trends in Sports Management
Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in the sports and recreation sector. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge about current issues within the industry, like community engagement or sports analytics. This shows that you’re not just passionate about sports but that you also understand the broader context of the field.
✨Highlight Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this is a placement, let’s not forget that the hiring team is eager to see your potential and willingness to learn. Make sure to showcase your motivation and how you’re looking forward to gaining experience at Birmingham City Football Club. Share how this opportunity fits into your career goals and what skills you hope to develop.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Be ready for scenario-based questions where they may ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing a conflict during an event or motivating a team. Think of examples from your studies, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. This is where you can really shine!
