Former Bolton Wanderers scholar aims for second football career with Foundation grant

Talented midfielder, Joel Burgess, joined Bolton Wanderers at the age of 16 on a two-year scholarship, harbouring dreams of a full-time career as a professional footballer with his hometown club.

But in April 2023, he was given the news that a professional contract would not be on offer, joining dozens of other players in a similar position. 

Today, 20-year-old Joel is preparing for his third year at Newcastle University, where he’s studying law. He told The Players Foundation that preparation is crucial for anticipating a second career. ‘Of course, it’s disappointing when you’re told that you won’t get a contract but luckily, I’d planned ahead and already decided I wanted to go to university.’

Joel received an Educational Resources Grant from the Foundation in 2024, which supported his studies. He said: ‘The grant from the Foundation has been very useful for me as it’s really tough to get a job and combine it with studying at university and playing a good standard of football. There’s no doubt that the grant has helped to ease the financial pressure.’

The harsh reality of academy football means that under one per cent of the 12,000 who play within the youth development system will end up earning a full-time living from the game.

Now, Joel is looking ahead to the future when he completes his law degree next year. ‘I’m considering a move into the legal side of football, either with a club or an agency. I think the combination of my football experience and law qualification will hopefully work well.’

• From September 1st, The Players Foundation is offering a new Student Living Expense Grant, aimed at supporting former professional footballers who are making the move into full-time university education. The grant will help alleviate the financial burden of basic living costs so that beneficiaries can fully engage with their studies and prepare for successful post-football careers.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more information.