Hey Reader,

Most people wait for the perfect moment to begin their football career.

They tell themselves they need more qualifications. More experience. More connections. More of everything except what they actually need: the willingness to start.

​Mark Njiriri proved this wrong.

The Permission Trap

A few months ago, Mark was stuck. He'd studied at UCFB, worked in recruitment for nearly 10 months, and felt further from football than when he started.

Sound familiar?

During our call, Mark said something that stuck with me: "There's not really a set path in getting into football that you can follow like there is with other jobs."

He was right. And wrong.

There isn't a traditional path. But there's definitely a process that works.

The Breakthrough Moment

Mark's turning point came when he stopped asking for permission and started taking action.

He left his recruitment job. Started learning Python. Reached out for guidance instead of waiting for someone to hand him an opportunity.

The result? Within months, he landed two roles: talent scout at one club and data analyst at Charlton Athletic.

His biggest lesson? "You do not need anyone's permission to start on your scouting or analytics journey. The best way to actually learn is by doing it."

The Four Pillars That Changed Everything

During our call, I outlined the framework that's helped dozens of people transition into football careers:

1. Develop Analysis Skills Start with Tableau or Python. Don't overthink it. Mark chose Python because his friend had computer science knowledge, but Tableau works just as well for beginners.

2. Understand Scouting Analysis without scouting context becomes useless quickly. You need both perspectives to add real value to any football organisation.

3. Build Your Online Portfolio This was Mark's game-changer. Share your work on LinkedIn - even unfinished projects. The goal isn't perfection; it's feedback, learning, and network building.

4. Network Efficiently Connect with purpose. Add value before asking for anything. Mark did this brilliantly by reaching out for genuine guidance rather than job requests.

The Online Portfolio Shift

Mark initially worried about sharing incomplete work online. Classic mistake.

People think they need brilliant analysis before posting anything. Wrong approach entirely.

Your online presence should document your learning journey. Share your first Tableau dashboard. Post about Python challenges you've solved. Ask questions about scouting methodologies.

This isn't about showing off - it's about getting feedback and growing your network whilst developing your skills.

The Reality Check

Mark spent months feeling like he needed more courses, more certifications, more validation from external sources.

During our call, we discussed PFSA data analyst certifications. My advice was clear: clubs want skill sets, not certificates. The FA Talent ID Level 1 matters for scouting roles, but it's free and online.

Don't let course providers convince you that their qualification is your ticket into football. Your portfolio of work speaks louder than any certificate.

What Mark Did Right

Mark made three crucial moves after our call:

He stopped waiting for the perfect moment to start sharing his work. He built connections with people already working in football. He focused on doing the work rather than talking about doing the work.

The networking piece was particularly important. Mark didn't just connect with people when he wanted something - he engaged genuinely with the football analytics community on LinkedIn.

Your Next Move

If you're reading this and thinking "this sounds like me," you have two options.

Option one: stop waiting for permission. Start building your analysis skills. Start sharing your learning journey online. Start connecting with people who are where you want to be.

Option two: get guidance and support working through the four pillars above. Join others who are building their football careers with structured learning, feedback, and a community that understands your journey. I'd love to welcome you inside the Recruitment Room.​

Either way, stop collecting courses. Stop believing you need more preparation.

The path into football isn't traditional, but it's proven. Mark followed it and now has two roles in the game he loves.

The question isn't whether it works. The question is whether you'll stop waiting and start doing.

Want to discuss your specific situation? Book a free clarity call where we'll map out your pathway.​

Liam

Whenever you’re ready, there are two ways I can help you: ​Free 1-2-1 Breakthrough Call - Frustrated trying to break into football recruitment? Tired of rejection after rejection? No idea how to get your first role in professional scouting or analysis? Get your free Football Career breakthrough Call to create a clear pathway to reach your goals in the football industry. ​Recruitment Room - My online membership community helps aspiring and new football professionals secure jobs working in recruitment. Master the four pillars of scouting, analysis, online portfolio, and employment. Learn from industry experts through our workshops, hot seats, and live sessions.