Introduction
“I joined this community because I want to earn money with soccer in the future. Be it as a coach or start my own community.”
Many grassroots coaches dream of making coaching more than a hobby. Here’s how it actually happens.
The Career Pathways
Club Progression
Start at grassroots. Build reputation. Move to higher levels.
The Path:
- Volunteer at local club
- Take qualifications
- Paid role at same or nearby club
- Academy or semi-professional opportunities
- Professional level (rare but possible)
Timeline: 5-15+ years typically
Reality Check: Competition is fierce. Many capable coaches never break through.
Private Coaching
1-2-1 sessions with players wanting extra development.
The Model:
- Develop reputation through club coaching
- Offer individual or small group sessions
- Build through referrals
- Scale with demand
Income Potential: £20-60+ per session depending on location and reputation
Reality Check: Requires marketing, scheduling flexibility, and reliable client base.
Your Own Programme
Create coaching programmes, camps, or academies.
Options:
- Holiday camps
- After-school programmes
- Goalkeeper training
- Position-specific training
- Technique development programmes
Requirements: Business setup, venue arrangements, insurance, marketing, staffing
Reality Check: Significant upfront investment and business skills needed.
Schools/Education
Coaching within educational settings.
Opportunities:
- PE department support
- After-school clubs
- School team coaching
- Holiday activity programmes
Benefits: More regular hours, institutional support
Pathway: Often requires educational qualifications alongside coaching badges
Content Creation
“Start my own community.”
Building audience through content. Monetising through:
- Membership communities
- Courses
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate partnerships
Requirements: Content skills, consistency, patience
Timeline: 2-5+ years to meaningful income typically
Reality Check: Most coaching content creators earn little. Success requires differentiation.
The Foundation Work
Whatever pathway you choose:
Build Reputation First
Nobody pays unknown coaches premium rates.
Volunteer. Prove yourself. Create success stories. Build references.
Get Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements exist. Often need Level 2+ for paid roles.
Document Everything
“I’ve seen an increase in my confidence on game days, playing out the back, decision making and positioning.”
Testimonials matter. Collect them systematically.
Network Intentionally
“Have connected with a couple within this group as well as several on Twitter.”
Many opportunities come through connections, not applications.
Develop Business Skills
Coaching ability ≠ business ability.
Learn marketing, finance, communication, and operations alongside coaching.
Financial Realities
Grassroots Paid Roles
£10-25 per session typically.
Not a living wage unless running many sessions.
Academy Roles
Part-time: £15-30 per session Full-time: £20-40k typically (variable)
Competitive to access.
Private Coaching
Variable. Location-dependent.
£500-2000 per month possible with consistent clients.
Your Own Business
Potential for significant income.
Also potential for significant loss.
Risk/reward trade-off.
Content/Community
Most earn £0-500 per month.
Top performers earn significantly more.
Power law distribution.
The Honest Assessment
Most grassroots coaches should:
- Enjoy coaching as a hobby
- Not expect meaningful income
- Appreciate non-financial rewards
Some grassroots coaches can:
- Supplement income through coaching
- Build side businesses
- Progress to higher levels
Few grassroots coaches will:
- Make coaching their primary income
- Reach professional levels
- Build successful coaching businesses
This isn’t discouragement. It’s reality calibration.
If You’re Serious
Start Now
Begin building reputation while in volunteer role.
Think Long-Term
Career development takes years, not months.
Diversify Paths
Don’t rely on single pathway. Build multiple options.
Develop Holistically
Coaching skills + business skills + network + reputation + patience.
Accept Uncertainty
No guaranteed paths exist. Only increased probabilities.
Conclusion
Coaching careers are possible. They’re not easy.
The coaches who make it combine:
- Genuine coaching quality
- Business and marketing ability
- Network and reputation
- Persistence over years
- Often, some luck
Start where you are. Build what you can. See where it leads.