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How Do You Run a Football Club Without Kicking a Ball?
Last Updated on: May 5th, 2025
Most people think of football as the players on the field, scoring goals and celebrating wins. That’s definitely the part everyone sees, and it’s what fans come to watch. But here’s the thing—none of that can happen without the team behind the scenes. Running a football club is actually way more complicated than just coaching or playing. In fact, some of the most important jobs in football don’t involve kicking a ball at all.
If you’re someone who loves football but doesn’t play—or maybe you play but know it won’t be a career—you can still be part of the game in a big way. Clubs need people to manage money, plan matches, build fanbases, and even organize stadium events. These roles are just as important as scoring goals. Without them, the whole club could fall apart.
So, Who Actually Runs a Football Club?
A football club is a business, not just a team. Just like any business, it needs people in charge of different areas. At the top, there’s the club owner or board of directors. They make the big decisions, such as hiring the manager or deciding how much to spend on new players. Then there’s the CEO, who handles day-to-day operations—things like budgets, staff hiring, and long-term planning.
Below them, there are a bunch of other jobs. The sporting director or director of football helps decide which players to sign, and works closely with the coach. There are marketing teams who make sure fans stay excited and come to games. There are financial managers who track every penny. Even event coordinators are important—they organize everything from ticket sales to matchday schedules.
And here’s something that might surprise you: many of the people doing these jobs didn’t start out in football. They studied business, law, marketing, or sports management. If someone wants to work in these roles, one good path is getting a degree that focuses on how the football industry works. For example, a program like The FBA offers a football management master’s degree that teaches exactly how to handle the behind-the-scenes action of a club. It’s one option for those serious about making football their career, even without ever being a player.
More Than Just Transfers and Money
People often think running a football club is all about signing players and making big transfer deals. That’s definitely part of it, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
There’s a whole process that goes into building a team. Scouts are out there watching games, digging through highlight clips, and keeping an eye on young talent. They figure out who might be a good fit, then pass that info along. Meanwhile, analysts are deep into the numbers—tracking passes, player movement, and where goals usually come from. That kind of info helps coaches make smarter calls during matches and in training.
Then there’s the media side. Every club has a team that runs interviews, updates social media, and handles press stuff. They’re the reason fans know what’s going on and why the club looks professional. If they mess up, it can hurt the club’s image, lose sponsors, and even scare off good players. It might not seem as exciting as transfers, but it’s a huge part of keeping everything together.
Working With Players Behind the Scenes
Just because someone doesn’t play on the pitch doesn’t mean they don’t affect the game. In fact, a lot of behind-the-scenes roles make a huge difference in how players perform.
Take team managers or operations staff. They’re the ones sorting out hotel bookings, making sure everyone has the right gear, and getting the schedule locked in. If they get something wrong, it can throw off a whole matchday. Players rely on them to stay organized so they can focus on football.
There’s also the medical and mental side of things. Physiotherapists help players recover from injuries and stay in top shape, while sports psychologists support them with pressure, confidence, and focus. Without these people, even the best players wouldn’t last long in such a demanding sport.
Building a Club’s Future
Some roles are all about preparing for what’s next. That’s where youth development comes in. These staff work with younger players, teaching them not just football basics but also how to handle things off the pitch—like talking to the press, staying grounded, and managing their money. It’s about helping them grow into solid professionals. Clubs also do a lot in their local communities. Whether it’s running training camps for kids, helping out at schools, or supporting charity projects, these efforts go a long way. When clubs stay connected to their fans and neighborhoods, people support them through good times and bad. That loyalty can last for generations.
How Do You Get Into These Roles?
Most people in these jobs didn’t just walk into them. It usually takes a mix of education, experience, and connections. Studying subjects like sports management, business, or finance can help. Internships and volunteer work with local teams are also a smart move. Even helping at school events or small tournaments can show you’re serious.
Football is a competitive world, and not just on the pitch. But if you’re focused, there are ways in. Knowing the game well is only part of it—you also need to understand how clubs work, how deals are made, and how to handle pressure. That’s where programs that focus on football business can really make a difference.
Final Thoughts
Running a football club isn’t about scoring goals—it’s about keeping everything together so the players can score goals. It takes smart planning, strong leadership, and a lot of teamwork behind the scenes. Whether it’s marketing a match, signing a new player, or planning training schedules, someone needs to make sure everything runs like clockwork.
So, if football is your passion, but you don’t see yourself playing professionally, there’s still a place for you. There are people all over the world working in football without ever stepping on the field. And they’re just as important as the players. The beautiful game isn’t just played on the pitch—it’s also built behind closed doors.
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