Player, manager, referee, coach: if asked to name a job in football, most people could answer quickly. But what about private chef, bodyguard, or barber? These are just three of the many more unusual roles that exist in the game. Someone has to make sure players eat well, stay safe, and are captured creatively for social media, while fans also want an amazing match-day experience.
BBC Bitesize Careers spoke to author Dan Freedman, creator of Jamie Johnson, who, like many people, works in the world of football without being a player on the pitch. He has written the book 50 Ways Into Football: Dream Jobs on and Off the Pitch, and the team selected a few favourites from it.
One of the most elite roles is the bodyguard. Given the level of stardom some players reach, security is an absolute priority. Lionel Messi, for example, has a full-time bodyguard. Yassine Cheuko, who has a background in Mixed Martial Arts, is never far from the Argentinian player's side. The job requires a good level of fitness and eyes on the back of your head.
Freedman also shared his top tips for anyone wanting to work as a writer in, or around, football. He advises reading widely, especially about subjects you are passionate about. As a teenager, he spent hours reading football newspapers, studying match reports and articles. He also stresses learning to accept rejection. Freedman was turned down by publishers for three years before getting his first break, and he chose to keep trying to "fail better", seeking feedback each time. Finally, he recommends knowing your characters so well that they feel almost human, which is especially important for fiction.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing