When Warren O’Hora began thinking about life after football, he assumed coaching would be the natural next step.
It wasn’t until he enrolled on the Applied Management in Football course that he realised just how many opportunities exist beyond the dressing room.
“I always thought I’d finish playing and just become a coach or a manager, but there’s so much more to football than that.”
Delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, the Applied Management in Football course gives PFA Scotland members a unique insight into the wider football industry, helping players develop a greater understanding of how clubs operate. This experience allows players to explore the wide range of career opportunities available beyond playing.
Throughout the programme, participants hear from experienced professionals working across football, gaining valuable insight into leadership, governance, club operations and strategic decision-making.
For O’Hora, one of the biggest takeaways was understanding how every department within a football club contributes to the bigger picture.
“Looking at the different roles, from sporting director to head coach and manager, and seeing how everything intertwines has really opened my eyes.”
The course isn’t designed to steer players towards a specific role. Instead, it helps them discover which path best suits their interests and ambitions.
“When the course is finished, I’ll be able to hone in on the area that’s right for me. Otherwise, I might have gone into coaching when actually a sporting director role suits me better.”
O’Hora also admits the timing couldn’t have been better. After becoming a father, he began thinking more seriously about preparing for life after football while still focusing on his playing career.
“I’ve just had a baby, so it really made me think, ‘After football, what do I want to do?’ The course has given me different areas to look at and helped me understand what I really want to do.”
Reflecting on his experience, the Hibernian defender believes the programme gives players something they don’t often get during their careers: a new perspective on the game.
“It’s not just about becoming a manager. It’s about all the different aspects of football, how they’re all intertwined and how they affect each other.”
Applications for the next Applied Management in Football course are now open to PFA Scotland members. Whether you’re planning for the future or simply want to develop a broader understanding of the football industry, the course offers a unique opportunity to explore the game beyond the pitch.
Starting on Monday 10th August, the course is a mix of online and in-person learning as part of a wider group setting. With PFA Scotland funding available, members can get in touch and register their interest by contacting Chris Higgins on chris@pfascotland.co.uk or 07719 902438, or Jane Ross on jane@pfascotland.co.uk or 07935 714696.
