The PFA and the English Football League (EFL) have launched the Off-Pitch Pathway Scheme (OPPS) – a new initiative designed to help former players and scholars move into meaningful, long-term careers away from the pitch.
Delivered by League Football Education (LFE), OPPS is a programme jointly funded by the PFA and EFL that will create up to nine 12-month placements across EFL clubs during the 2025/26 season. Each club can apply for a £25,000 funded role, with placements offering workplace experience across a range of non-coaching departments.
With an investment of £225,000 by the PFA and EFL, OPPS aims to increase the number of PFA members transitioning into roles such as finance, administration, commercial, communications, operations, and analysis, keeping valuable football knowledge and experience within the professional game.
PFA CEO, Maheta Molango said: “This scheme gives our members a genuine opportunity to stay in the game and build new careers beyond the pitch. For many former players, the transition out of football can be difficult, but OPPS creates a structured and supported route into roles where their experience adds real value. Working in partnership with the EFL and LFE, we’re committed to ensuring that players have every chance to continue contributing to the professional game in meaningful ways.”
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch said: “The Off-Pitch Pathway Scheme is an important step in creating further career opportunities for former players who have developed essential skills and knowledge throughout their academy journey. This initiative, in collaboration with the PFA and LFE, underscores our collective commitment to the continued personal development of our young players while providing our Clubs with access to off-pitch talent who have gained a unique perspective through their own individual pathway.
“Reflecting on my own journey from player to CEO, I know the transition can be challenging, but the transferrable skills, knowledge and experience our graduates develop are an asset for many roles across the football industry and beyond.”
The scheme is open to all PFA members. Candidates can apply for their placement at any participating EFL clubs and will receive structured support, training, and development throughout the year.
- PFA members can register their interest now to receive updates as and when opportunities go live: Click here
- EFL clubs interested in hosting a placement but who require more information and support before completing the full application can submit an Expression of Interest form (deadline 9th January 2026) Click here
A club OPPS support webinar will also be hosted 14 January 2026, details to follow in December.
- EFL clubs interested in hosting a placement can also apply now (deadline 31st of March 2026): Click here
For more information about OPPS, Click here.
For support, PFA Members can contact the PFA Personal Development team: personaldevelopment@thepfa.com | 0330 236 8850
LFE and the EFL are also available to support clubs throughout the application process.
Simon Wootton, EFL, Club Education Manager – swootton@efl.com
Dan Jolley, LFE, Projects Manager – djolley@lfe.org.uk
