Football's Internship Problem: When "Opportunity" Becomes Exploitation
I'm about to say something that will make some people uncomfortable:
The football performance industry is built on the backs of unpaid labour.
And it's time we called it what it is.
Every week, I see another LinkedIn post from a football organisation advertising "exciting internship opportunities" that offer everything except the one thing that matters most: compensation.
"Great learning experience!"
"Exposure to the industry!"
"Networking opportunities!"
You know what's missing? A wage.
This isn't just happening at small local clubs. Major organisations—teams worth hundreds of millions—are asking bright, talented students to work for nothing.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Here's what nobody talks about when they defend unpaid internships:
They create a two-tier system.
Only students who can afford to work for free get access to these "opportunities." That means football careers become the exclusive playground of those with financial privilege.
The kid from a working-class family who needs to pay rent? They're working in retail instead of gaining industry experience.
The recent graduate with student debt? They can't afford to spend 40 hours a week building someone else's business for free.
This isn't about opportunity—it's about access.
What Organisations Get Wrong
Most football organisations defending unpaid internships make these arguments:
"We're giving them valuable experience"
"They're learning, not working"
"Everyone starts somewhere"
Here's the problem with each:
Valuable experience - If an intern is creating value for your organisation, they deserve compensation. If they're not creating value, why do you need them?
Learning, not working - Most unpaid internships don't meet the legal criteria for legitimate work experience. If someone's doing the job, they should be paid for it.
Everyone starts somewhere - Yes, but that "somewhere" should include fair compensation for fair work.
What Needs to Change
The solution isn't complicated:
Pay your interns.
Even minimum wage is better than nothing. Even a small stipend shows respect for their time and contribution.
Some progressive organisations are already doing this. They're finding that paid internships attract better candidates, create more motivated workers, and build stronger industry relationships.
To football organisations still clinging to unpaid internships:
The world is watching. Social media has given a voice to the people you've been exploiting. Your "we can't afford to pay interns" excuse rings hollow when you're paying millions for player transfers and executive salaries.
To students and recent graduates:
You have more power than you think. Your skills have value. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
To parents and educators:
Stop encouraging students to accept unpaid positions at profitable organisations. You're perpetuating the problem.
Bottom Line
The football industry has an opportunity to lead, not follow.
Organisations that embrace fair compensation for all workers, including interns, will attract better talent, build stronger cultures, and create more sustainable businesses.
Those that don't will find themselves increasingly isolated in a world that no longer accepts "exposure" as payment.
The choice is simple: evolve or get left behind.
That's all for today.
See you next Friday.
James 🫡
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