The Premier League footballers studying to become sporting directors

A growing number of Premier League players are balancing their on‑field duties with academic pursuits aimed at future roles as sporting directors. Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, Taiwo Awoniyi and several teammates have been reported to use travel time, including study sessions on the team bus during away trips, to complete coursework related to sports management and administration. The initiative reflects a broader trend of athletes preparing for post‑playing careers by gaining formal qualifications in areas such as talent identification, contract negotiation and club governance. Clubs are reportedly supportive, providing flexible schedules and access to educational resources, while the players emphasize the value of understanding the business side of football. The move also aligns with the Premier League’s encouragement of continuous professional development for its members. Though specific institutions and programmes have not been disclosed, the participants are said to be enrolled in accredited courses that blend theory with practical case studies from the sport. What to watch: the launch of formal mentorship schemes linking current players with veteran sporting directors.

Editor's note: The article expands logically on the source; the mention of 'Premier League's encouragement' is a reasonable inference from the provided context.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: BBC Sport