Lincoln City footballer Adam aiming to net future career in accountancy

Over the past two years, dozens of Professional Footballers Association (PFA) members have kickstarted their AAT Accountancy journey with Premier Training.

Launched in July 2020, the innovative partnership allows PFA members to prepare for a second career ready for when they hang up their boots.

The vast majority of footballer-students have started that progression with the AAT’s Level 1 Bookkeeping course.

Many have moved onto the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, and some are now studying the Level 3 Accounting qualification.

Second career option

One example is Adam Jackson, who kicked-off his studies less than a year ago and has already added the Level 1 and 2 qualifications to his CV.

The Lincoln City defender said: “I decided to study my AAT qualifications alongside being a footballer as I am getting closer to retirement age (from football) and I realised I didn’t have anything to fall back on with regards to qualifications or a future career path.

“I definitely think it is important to have a second career option as it is a very brutal industry and you never know, especially in the lower leagues, when your last contract will be.

“It is always good to have a back-up where you can hopefully not be out of employment for too long.”

Flexibility and support

All of the PFA’s Premier Training students can study from home, at their own pace and at times that suit them. That flexibility is complemented by access to unlimited tutor support six days a week.

“Distance learning has been great,” explained Adam. “It means there is no pressure to study or take an exam on a particular day or at a certain time. If I have a busy week I can put my studies to the back of my mind and focus again next week.

“The PFA and Premier Training have both been a great help – the PFA initially for the support and guidance to help me find what qualification and training provider I was going to go with and then again with the funding for some of the fees associated with the learning.

“Since I have signed up with Premier Training they have been great, with help from the course advisors and tutors accessible whenever I need it.”