The Off-Pitch Pathway Scheme (OPPS) is a joint initiative from the
Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and English Football League (EFL)
designed 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 in view of keeping football experience in the game and supporting members
as they transition into new careers.
The programme has been backed by a joint investment of £225,000 from the PFA and
EFL. This investment funds nine OPPS roles for EFL clubs across a number of club
functions, including finance, administration, commercial, communications and
operations.
OPPS roles are open to all PFA members, and successful candidates receive structured
support, training and development over the year.
This is cross-departmental role designed to provide comprehensive exposure to the day to
day running of a football club. The individual will work across both commercial and football
departments, supporting operational delivery whilst gaining strategic insight into how football
organisations function holistically.
They will engage with multiple stakeholders including senior leadership, academy
management and staff, commercial partners, media personnel and administrative teams.
The breadth of exposure is central to the role’s development value and strategic contribution.