Premier League Players Pursue Sporting Director Roles Through Education

The halls of the PFA Business School are witnessing a unique graduation, with Premier League footballers and decorated European and international players donning caps and gowns. The 2026 cohort includes notable figures like Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi, alongside many other well-known athletes.

At an event held at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Cesar Azpilicueta shared how his studies helped him manage pre-match nerves, recalling how studying on the morning of the 2021 Champions League final, before captaining Chelsea to victory, provided a welcome distraction.

Dewsbury-Hall, 28, who has been in strong form for his club, explained his decision to pursue a postgraduate diploma in global football sport directorship. "As a person, I'm always trying to learn and develop away from the pitch," he told BBC Sport. "I don't want to stop playing and then just sit around doing nothing." He added that while the future application of his studies remains uncertain, he believes it is beneficial to complete the course while still active in the sport, ensuring he is prepared should opportunities arise.

Awoniyi, 29, who joined Coventry City from Nottingham Forest, also continues his academic pursuits alongside his playing career and international duties with Nigeria. He holds a degree in business management and another diploma, viewing this latest qualification as a natural progression. His father's emphasis on education influenced Awoniyi, who stated, "I always felt education was important. It was a promise I made to my dad that if I played football, I would keep studying."

Awoniyi highlighted the unpredictable nature of a football career, referencing a severe injury in May 2025 that led to a medically induced coma. This experience, he said, reinforced the importance of continuous personal development and recognizing life beyond football. "It's not like a 9-5 job in football," Awoniyi noted. "We go in and sometimes finish quite early and, although it's challenging, I think every footballer has time in the evening for something like this business school."

The PFA course is structured to accommodate playing schedules, with seminars timed to minimize conflicts with matches and training. Players can study during their own time, though Dewsbury-Hall admitted to receiving curious glances while studying on an iPad during team travel.

For players like Wycombe Wanderers defender Steve Cook, who previously captained Bournemouth in the Premier League, the course represents a return to formal education after many years. With coaching badges already secured, he acknowledges his playing career is nearing its end.

Azpilicueta, who retired from playing at the end of last season, believes the education benefits players both in their current careers and for life after football. "It's not only about preparing for life after football. It's about becoming a better version of yourself in your football career as well," he stated. He himself completed an MBA at Harvard University during his tenure at Chelsea, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to education alongside his playing career.

The PFA program features sessions led by industry professionals, such as Brighton chief executive Paul Barber, to provide insights into various facets of the football industry. While many graduates remain focused on their current playing commitments, the program aims to cultivate future coaches, executives, and sporting directors who can shape the future of the sport.