The Problem
45% of retired professional footballers say they felt unprepared for life after football.
For too long, retirement from football has been seen as an ending, a moment tinged with loss, uncertainty, or decline. But the truth is, it’s not the end of the road; it’s a celebration. Footballers don’t just play the game, they spend years training, learning discipline, resilience, leadership, and teamwork at the highest level. When they step off the pitch, they aren’t retiring; they’re graduating, ready to apply these world-class skills to new disciplines. By reframing retirement as a celebration of achievement and possibility, it can shift the narrative from ‘what’s lost’ to ‘what’s next’, opening up a future filled with opportunity, growth, and impact both on and off the field.
The Next Play is a flagship annual event introduced by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), designed to support current and recently retired players from the Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two in successfully transitioning into life beyond football. Inspired by the structure and excitement of the USA NFL Scouting Combine and Draft, this immersive four-day experience shifts the spotlight from athletic performance to transferable skills, personal growth, and professional development. Through hands-on workshops, networking with industry leaders, and tailored mentoring, players explore new paths in sectors such as media, tech, coaching, business, and beyond. Day 4 of the event culminates at the iconic Wembley Stadium with a live, draft-style celebration, a high profile public showcase where players are ‘drafted’ into new roles, while simultaneously, an immersive fan experience at BOXPARK Wembley engages supporters, offering a vibrant atmosphere to celebrate alongside the players. Fans around the world join in celebrating their Next Play, making it a truly collective and inspiring conclusion.
As part of the activation, a specially curated event pack is distributed to all clubs across the Premier League, Championship League, and League One and Two. These packs are designed to support a wide range of players, from those nearing retirement and considering their next move, to younger players looking to better understand themselves and explore life beyond football. Each pack introduces The Next Play initiative, outlines the opportunities available through the 4-day event, and provides clear, actionable steps to get involved.
Retired players who may have ventured into new careers but now find themselves feeling stuck, uncertain, or facing personal challenges, such as mental health struggles, addiction, or a lack of direction, can also request a pack via the PFA website. Once approved, it is delivered directly to their home, offering personalised support and a pathway toward a more confident and positive future.
The Combine is the cornerstone of The Next Play Experience, a dynamic, behind closed doors event designed to help footballers explore and shape the next chapter of their careers. Inspired by the NFL Combine, this immersive 3 day experience brings together leading companies, career coaches, and industry experts to evaluate, support, and match players with opportunities aligned to their skills, interests, and aspirations. Through tailored workshops, interviews, and hands on challenges, players begin to redefine their professional identity, connect with potential employers, and take the first step toward their Next Play, all in a space built with understanding, respect, and ambition.
In addition to social media being a vital touchpoint for building excitement for the Wembley event and the immersive fan experience at BOXPARK Wembley, the Next Play is also brought to life in stadiums across all football leagues in the UK. On matchdays, fans will see The Next Play featured on big screens at key moments, pre-game, half-time, and post game, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement. This integration helps drive awareness, celebrate the transition of players, and invite supporters to be part of the journey, wherever they are.
Tickets for The Next Play final day can be purchased via the BOXPARK website (under the Events section) or the PFA website (within The Next Play section). Attendees can choose between VIP and Standard ticket options. VIP tickets grant full access to both the immersive fan experience at BOXPARK Wembley and a seat at Wembley Stadium for the live, draft style celebration. Standard tickets offer entry to either the BOXPARK fan experience or a place inside the stadium
On the final day of the experience, The Next Play doesn’t just take over Wembley Stadium, it also transforms BOXPARK Wembley, the iconic fan park known for its street food, cultural events, and leisure activities, into a powerful and immersive fan journey.
The Next Play final day event is a festival style celebration of footballers’ new beginnings. Held at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the day features live music, powerful speeches from current and former players, awards, and personal stories that highlight life beyond the pitch. It’s an inspiring, high-energy event designed to honour careers, share journeys, and celebrate what comes next, with fans, families, and the football community all coming together for an unforgettable experience.
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