Off Pitch Pathway Scheme

• Location: St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park
• Contract: Fixed Term – 12 Months (3 x 4-month rotations)
• Reports to: Department Leads

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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.

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Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise.

With an incredible history dating back to 1875, Birmingham City Football Club is part of an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation, and is playing its part in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the transformation of England’s second city as part of the Sports Quarter project.

With significant investment across our football, commercial, and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success — on and off the pitch. The journey we’re on involves strengthening our structures, elevating our performance environments, growing our teams, and investing heavily in the people, processes, and culture that will define the next chapter of Birmingham City FC.

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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

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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.

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Programme Structure

The placement consists of three 4-month rotations, providing exposure to different business functions:

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1. 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

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2. 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

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3. 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

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​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

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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

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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.