How the Cost of Living Crisis Affects Students

In recent years, the cost of living has surged, putting a heavy burden on students, particularly for ex-professional footballers transitioning to higher education, as well as aspiring footballers balancing their studies with their training. They face unique challenges as they juggle the demands of education and their football careers. For many, the financial strain of covering tuition, textbooks, and living expenses is overwhelming.

According to the National Union of Students (NUS) nearly 70% of students are concerned about making ends meet each month. Rent alone has risen by an average of 5% annually, with some areas seeing even higher increases. Many students are left in tough situations, with surveys showing that 62% regularly skip meals to save money and 27% have considered dropping out due to financial stress.

At The Players Foundation, we recognise these challenges faced by our student beneficiaries and we’ve introduced the Educational Resource 2024 Grant. This initiative is aimed at helping former and aspiring footballers access the resources they need for their education without the added financial pressure, ensuring they can focus on both their academic and sporting development.

Find out more about the Education Resource grant here.