From the pitch to the classroom!

Mr Young is making a difference in students’ lives as a teacher. See how his experience as a professional footballer shapes his approach to education and inspires the next generation.

Before I became a teacher, I was a professional footballer. So I know what it’s like to work under pressure – now, I use that experience to help students aim high and stay positive.

As a PE teacher, I help students get active, build their skills, and learn how to work as a team. It’s not just about sport – it’s about building confidence, resilience, and healthy habits.

I’m also the key stage 3 phase lead, which means I support students in Years 7 to 9 with their learning, wellbeing, and personal development. That could mean checking in on a student who’s struggling, working on behaviour, or helping to improve their overall school experience.

 What does a typical day and week look like for you?

Most mornings, I start by checking in on the students I support in my phase lead role and catching up with the pastoral team. The pastoral team is there to make sure students are doing well – not just in lessons, but in themselves. They help with anything that affects your wellbeing, like friendships, emotions, or feeling safe at school.

I usually teach a few PE lessons each day – right now, we’re doing summer sports like cricket and rounders, but it could be anything from basketball to fitness training.

At lunchtime, I’m out on duty, helping to keep things safe and calm around school. I also walk around during lessons to see how students are getting on, speak to teachers, and offer support if any issues come up.

Each week, I lead assemblies for different year groups – usually around three. They might focus on things like kindness or resilience, and they’re a great way to bring students together and set a positive tone for the week.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best part of my job is seeing the difference I can make in someone’s life. It could be helping a student who struggles with PE to find confidence, or supporting someone through a tough time so they can focus better in lessons.

One of my proudest moments was working with a student who didn’t believe in himself. Over time, through PE and mentoring, I helped him to find his voice and grow more confident. A year after leaving school, he sent me a letter thanking me for helping him believe in himself and letting me know he’s now thriving in an apprenticeship. That was a truly heartwarming moment.

When I was a footballer, I loved being part of a team and working towards something bigger. Now, I get that same feeling from helping students to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

The hardest part of the job is supporting students who are going through tough times – whether it’s problems at home, struggles with mental health, or low self-esteem. You want to help, but it often takes time, patience, and teamwork.

It can be emotionally draining because you really care about each student’s wellbeing. But even on the hardest days, I remind myself that just being someone consistent and supportive in a young person’s life can make a big difference.

How did you get to where you are now?

Both of my parents were teachers, so I grew up around education. While I was playing professional football, I did a sports science degree – I knew football wouldn’t last forever, and I wanted to be ready for what came next.

At 31, I stepped back from full-time football to focus on becoming a teacher. It felt like a natural move – I’d always enjoyed working with young people, and teaching gave me the chance to keep doing that.

A lot of what I learned as a footballer helps me in school. Things like teamwork, leadership, resilience, and good communication are just as important in the classroom as they are on the pitch. I also developed a strong work ethic and learned how to stay calm under pressure – which really helps when supporting students.

After I stopped playing football I trained as a teacher. Now, I get to use everything I’ve learned to help students grow, both physically and pastorally.

What advice do you have for young people who want to do what you do?

If you’re thinking about becoming a PE teacher, get involved in as much sport and physical activity as you can. Whether you’re playing, coaching, or you’re part of a team, you’ll learn important life skills – like communication, teamwork, leadership, and resilience – which are all essential in teaching.

I encourage students who are interested in PE teaching to take their Level 1 and 2 Sports Leaders qualifications. They give you real experience in planning and leading sessions, and some students have even gone on to teach PE in primary schools.

From my time as a footballer, I learned that failure is often the first step to learning and improving – and that mindset has helped me both on the pitch and in the classroom. Teaching isn’t always easy, but if you’re resilient, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Become a physical education teacher | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK

What skills does someone need to do your job?

• Resilience / Staying Positive – Whether in sport or education, things don’t always go to plan. Being able to bounce back is essential.
• Leadership – I lead both in the classroom and across the KS3 phase, guiding students and supporting staff.
• Communication – I talk with students, teachers, and parents every day to support young people effectively.
• Organisation / Time Management – Balancing teaching with pastoral duties means I need to stay on top of my schedule.
• Caring – You need to genuinely care about young people’s wellbeing and development to do this job well.