How to Write a Football CV to Kick-Start Your Career in 2024

In an industry where scoring the winning goal requires more than skill, a champion football CV becomes your ultimate game-changer. Attracting clubs and scouts is challenging, even for skilled players. Suppose you're an aspiring coach, a seasoned manager, a dedicated player, or aiming to help players as a football assistant; this guide can help you stand out in an ever-evolving competitive industry. Or if you aim to secure a spot in a premier league club, explore the diverse realm of sports-related opportunities and advance your career, improving your CV is also your ticket to victory. 

Achieving your dream sports role requires more than just qualifications and skills on the pitch. To get noticed, choose an applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly sports CV tailored to your career goals and increase your chances of making the cut. This guide is designed to help you score the winning goal and write a good CV which attracts sports coaches, scouts, and decision-makers.

How to start the CV writing process: Where to start?

In the dynamic world of sports, knowing how to make a modern sports CV for a football player is crucial for success. Start with using a comprehensive master CV that details your achievements and professional background. Then, tailor this document for specific jobs in the sports industry to match your career goals. Tailoring your CV ensures you make the cut and secure your shot at the goal by securing a interview. 

Football CV example

Download this Football CV sample in PDF

Alexander showcases his accomplishments and proven track record of excelling in football leagues. He demonstrates exceptional leadership and teamwork, outstanding strategic game-planning skills, and professional achievements. Alexander's relevant educational background and work experience underline his expertise and commitment to continuous improvement. His diverse range of skills proves his all-rounded capability on the field and dedication to the game.

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What to include in a football CV?

When writing a CV, you must emphasise your abilities, on-field experience, and specialised training or certifications, such as coaching qualifications or memberships. Use a structured format and template to effectively present your details, current statistics, ability, and performance in sports.

Must-have personal and player information:

• Personal information

• Player profile

• Playing experience or positions

• Clubs you’ve played or worked for

• Education

• Training or certifications

• Notable achievements

• Skills. 

If you aim to step onto the pitch as a coach, highlighting your leadership and tactical expertise is vital. Aspiring coaches or managers may require specialised qualifications like coaching certifications. You must emphasise leadership, tactical expertise, and relevant professional certifications. 

Always tailor your CV to the role you're pursuing. Highlight your passion and dedication for the sport related to your career goals. Explore careers with the National Careers Service for more information on succeeding as a sports professional. 

Beyond showcasing your on-field skills, your CV should reflect your commitment, versatility, and determination to excel in various roles. Refer to our personal trainer CV example to get more inspiration.

Pitch yourself with an eye-catching personal profile

Your personal profile on your CV for a footballer player or other sporting professions is the initial introduction to potential recruiters, coaches, and scouts. Make your application stand out by creating a personal profile that showcases your unique skills, key achievements and summarises your expertise. Include your playing position, notable experiences, career aspirations, and any applicable soft skills that align with your chosen role and career goals.

Learn more about how to create a professional personal profile.

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Showcase your footballer skills

Becoming a successful sports professional demands a unique set of skills, and you must demonstrate these while engaging in tasks on the field. For example, you’ll be actively involved in matches, competitions, and physical practice to improve overall fitness and stamina through training. Maintaining healthy dietary and lifestyle choices is also essential for optimal performance, as you’ll seek advice from coaches, specialists, and healthcare professionals. 

You must be flexible, as your work might extend across sports fields or fitness centres, which can be physically demanding, outdoor elements, including frequent travel or overnight stays away from home. On a football coaching CV,  demonstrate strategy development, motivation,  player management, sharp decision-making abilities, rule expertise, and impartiality. 

Refer to our article for more information about what essential skills to list on your CV.

How to write work or playing experience on a football CV

Use the experience section to demonstrate your playing, coaching, or managerial background. When discussing a specific job title, it's crucial to provide a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and accomplishments of the sports role. 

For instance, on a CV for a coach, show you were responsible for developing training programs, refining player skills, and strategising match tactics. Highlight how these duties and achievements involve successfully leading a youth team to a regional championship through training and teamwork.

Football player experience

Striker, Thunderstrike United FC, 2021 - 2022

Demonstrating a strong presence on the field with remarkable goal-scoring ability, dynamic ball control, and adaptability to different playing styles. Played a crucial role in team success, working closely with teammates to create effective attacking plays and contribute to regional league achievements.

• Scored 30 goals in 50 appearances, consistently contributing to the team's offensive strategy.

• Demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during critical moments, motivating teammates to maintain peak performance under pressure.

• Contributed to consecutive championship wins and reinforced top regional standing.

Football coach work experience

Youth Team Coach, Rising Phoenix FC, 2019 - 2021

Developed tailored training programs that led to a remarkable 75% win rate, significantly improving player skills and team performance. Mentored and inspired junior athletes, guiding the team to a spot in the national tournament and implementing innovative drills that bolstered team unity and individual performance.

• Enhanced technical skills by 25% through tailored training modules, elevating team competitiveness and individual performance.

• Achieved a 70% win rate in regional tournaments, showcased tactical planning and decisive in-game strategies.

• Mentored and fostered young talents, leading to two players progressing to professional academies.

Football manager work experience

Team Manager, Dynamo FC, 2017 -2019

Strategically managed team operations, player contracts, and match schedules, facilitating successful player transfers that enhanced the team's competitive prowess. Led the squad to consecutive league championships, securing promotions to higher divisions and fostering a cohesive team environment through effective communication and player development initiatives.

• Led Dynamo FC to consecutive promotions, reaching higher league tiers.

• Achieved a 15% efficiency boost with data-driven strategies, ensuring success in close matches.

• Cultivated teamwork, reducing injuries by 20% through enhanced training and communication.

If you have little to no experience in a sports role, consider creating a qualifications summary using a skills-based CV. In addition, refer to our graduate CV if you recently left university and want to kick-start your sports career.

For more information, refer to the dedicated section on work experience to learn how to present your work contributions on your CV.

Don’t pass on the education section on your CV

Being a successful in sports extends beyond just skills on the field. Highlight your academic achievements and relevant qualifications to strengthen your profile. Keep this section brief and factual, prioritising recent achievements. List your school and dates if you’re a recent student waiting for qualification results.

Typically, in the UK, employers determine entry requirements and differ based on level and type.  If you’re a recent student and want to enhance your CV, consider an internship to showcase your potential through a course or training. Early engagement in youth setups or local clubs can help you advance and lead to pro contracts. Professional sports clubs often set specific skills, athleticism, and potential criteria. As for a coach CV or management roles, education and coaching courses are also beneficial.

The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence is accessible for sports like cricket, football, rugby league, and rugby union. This apprenticeship allows promising amateur athletes to develop their sports skills while pursuing education. For more information, refer to our apprenticeship CV example or search courses with the National Careers Service, such as a BTEC First Certificate in Sport Qualification Level 2 or BTEC Diploma.

Examples of Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Sports Science, Loughborough University, 2018 - 2022

• UEFA Coaching License, Football Association, 2019

• Diploma in Sports Management, London Sport Institute, 2017

• High School Diploma, DEF School, 2016

• First Aid Certification, Red Cross, 2020

• Sports Nutrition Course, GHI Academy, 2019

• Football Tactics Workshop, Football Coaching Institute, 2018

• Coaching Fundamentals Course, National Coaching Association, 2021

• Strength and Conditioning Training Certification, Sports Fitness Institute, 2020

• Advanced Football Strategy Seminar, Global Sports Symposium, 2019.

For extra tips and examples on how to write the education section on your CV, refer to our article. 

Additional sections to list on your football CV

Your CV must set you apart from the competition. Provide additional information to attract recruiters or scouts. Include specific physical attributes, use accurate career statistics, relevant hobbies and interests, or a photo to showcase your personality and suitability for your job targets. Adding data and achievements will increase your chances of being signed, as scouts and managers have limited team positions to fill.

Attributes: Highlight your physical attributes that contribute to your performance on the field. Include details such as height, weight, speed, agility, and strength to showcase your athletic prowess and suitability for different positions.

Career Statistics: Provide a detailed overview of your performance throughout your career, including the number of matches played, goals scored, assists made, and any other relevant statistical data. This section helps recruiters understand your consistency and impact on the game.

Awards/Personal Achievements: List any awards, honours, or accolades you've received throughout your football journey. Whether being named Player of the Year or winning a championship title, showcasing your accomplishments highlights your excellence and dedication to the sport.

Learn more about adding courses and certificates to your CV as an aspiring sports professional. Refer to our article on how and when to add a professional photo to a CV.

Key takeaways

Becoming a successful sports professional is more than knowing how to play well. It should demonstrate your personality, skills and expertise, relevant achievements and training, and passion for the sport. Use a concise and professional football CV template that lists accurate statistics, physical attributes, and relevant additional sections. In summary, here are the main dos and don'ts for your CV:

Do:

1. Prioritise skills, work experience and achievements.

2. Use an ATS-friendly and professional CV template and consider writing a cover letter.

3. Emphasise transferable skills or use a skills-based CV if you have little to no work experience.

Don't:

1. Use irrelevant sections or information.

2. Write more than 1-2 pages.

3. Neglect accuracy in your career statistics or use false information.

Next Steps?

Ensure you update your CV as you gain more experience as a player, coach or manager. Ensure your application and cover letter are relevant and reflect your evolving skills and accomplishments. Need help to find work or need more experience? Take proactive steps to join football networks or associations to enhance your skills and attend trials. If you need extra guidance, our dedicated CV Writing Service can help you write a tailored CV to match your career goals in football or other sporting professions, saving you time and effort!

FAQ

How to write a football CV?

A CV for this job role typically includes personal information, player profile, playing experience, skills, education, physical attributes, awards, and relevant sections. It should be well-structured, concise, and tailored to your  career goals.

How to add your football manager achievements to your CV?

Incorporate your football manager's achievements by detailing successful campaigns, championships, player development, and tactical innovations. Quantify achievements where possible, demonstrating your impact on team performance and growth.

What does a football CV look like?

A typical football CV format includes personal information, player profile, playing experience, skills, education, physical attributes, awards, and relevant sections. It should be well-structured, concise, and tailored to your football career goals.

How long should a football CV be?

Your CV should be concise and focused. It is recommended to keep it within two pages, highlighting the most relevant and impactful information about your football career. Similarly, find out how long a cover letter should be to make the best impact on hiring managers. 

What is the average salary of a footballer in the UK?

In the UK, the national average salary for a footballer is £41,055 but varies widely depending on factors like the league, club, and player skill level. Premier League players tend to earn higher salaries, while lower league and non-professional players may earn less. 

How to write a football CV with no experience?

If you need more experience, focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, dedication, and discipline. Highlight any training, courses, or volunteering related to football. Emphasise your passion for the sport and your willingness to learn and improve. If you have no work experience, refer to our article for more tips and ideas.

How to write a football CV for your child?

CV writing is an essential skill necessary beyond football or sports. Support your child to recognise their accomplishments, skills, and capabilities. For a child's football CV, include basic personal details, playing experience (e.g.clubs, local teams, school), skills learned, physical attributes, and relevant training. Emphasise their passion, commitment, and potential for growth in football.