Career Development for Released Academy Players
The Phoenix Foundation UK works with released professional Football academy players connecting elite young talent with careers in advertising, media, marketing and Football coaching.
10,000+
Players released from professional academies every year in England
957,000
Young People NEET Nationally - The highest in over a decade
48%
Youth economic inactivity rate in London, ages 16-24
99%
Will never play professional Football
What We Do
Every year, thousands of young people are released from professional football academies with no career pathway waiting for them. The Phoenix Foundation exists to change that — we operate with the precision of a professional placement firm and the purpose of a social enterprise.
Clear Pathways Forward
Employment Pathway
Placing players into professional careers in advertising, media and marketing. Their discipline, work ethic, willingness to learn, team experience and adaptability under pressure makes them outstanding candidates.
Coaching Pathway
Qualifying players as football coaches from grassroots level through to UEFA badges — turning elite sport experience into a professional coaching career.
First Placement Made
Bloomsbury Football, London
The Phoenix Foundation UK has already demonstrated the model works. Our first placement is live, our employer relationships are active and our pipeline of released academy players is growing. This is a proven proposition, not a concept.