Premier League stars earn qualifications to become sporting directors

Graduates from the Professional Footballers’ Association Business School donned academic regalia at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, marking a ceremony that bridged the gap between elite sport and formal education. The 2026 cohort features prominent figures such as Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi, alongside past winners of major European honors.

During the event, Cesar Azpilicueta shared how balancing his studies with training helped him maintain focus prior to captaining Chelsea to victory in the 2021 Champions League final. The former Spain defender revealed that while he typically napped before afternoon matches, that day’s academic preparations provided a crucial mental anchor before the clash against Manchester City.

Dewsbury-Hall, 28, traveled from Merseyside to London to receive his postgraduate diploma in global football sport directorship. Despite being in the peak of his playing career, he emphasized the importance of continuous personal development. “I don’t want to stop playing and then just sit around doing nothing,” he told BBC Sport, noting that obtaining qualifications early ensures he is prepared if opportunities arise later.

Awoniyi, 29, is pursuing his third qualification after previously earning a degree in business management. The Nigerian international honored a promise made to his father, Solomon, who prioritized education and initially discouraged a full focus on football. Awoniyi reflected on his journey from the Imperial Soccer Academy to Liverpool and later Union Berlin, stating, “I always felt education was important.”

Both players highlighted the physical and mental challenges of maintaining academic rigor alongside professional sports. Awoniyi referenced his severe injury in May 2025, which resulted in a medically induced coma, as a reminder that life extends beyond the pitch. He acknowledged that while the course is demanding, most footballers have evening hours available to dedicate to study.

The program is structured to accommodate players’ schedules, with seminars timed to avoid conflicts with matches. However, Dewsbury-Hall admitted that studying on an iPad during away-game travel sometimes attracted unusual attention from peers. He expressed a desire to break down stereotypes about athletes, asserting that intelligence is prevalent in the sport but not always visible.

Steve Cook, a defender for Wycombe Wanderers and former Bournemouth captain, completed the course as a return to formal education after years on the pitch. Azpilicueta, who recently retired and holds an MBA from Harvard University, insisted that the training benefits current careers as well as post-playing futures.

Guest speakers included Brighton chief executive Paul Barber, who provided insights into the operational side of the industry. While many graduates remain focused on their current teams, the cohort represents a new generation of potential coaches, executives, and sporting directors ready to influence the future of the game.