Exploring Career Journeys for National Careers Week

This National Careers Week, we’ve been speaking to professionals across different industries to find out how they got to where they are today. From their first steps into the world of work to the lessons they’ve learned along the way, their stories offer valuable insights and inspiration for anyone considering their next move.

If you’re thinking about your own career path, the National Careers Service can help. Whether you need advice on job opportunities, training options, or making your CV stand out, visit nationalcareers.service.gov.uk or call 0800 100 900 for free, expert guidance.

Name: Shane Maxey

Job title: Professional Football Coach

What does your role involve?

With 15 years of experience in professional football coaching, I have taken on multiple roles within the industry. I currently serve as a scout for a League Two club, lead youth development and senior phase coaching for an Isthmian Premier Division team, and act as the lead coach for an U19 academy league squad. In addition, I run my own business, Flow In Football, a gold licensed football provider focused on player development to which we have had many players go on to sign professional contracts.

The other side to my business is coaching primary schools, ranging from lunch club to PE lead.

My previous coaching roles include working with Gillingham FC Academy and serving as a Chelsea FC IRP coach.

How did you get into this industry?

I initially entered coaching at the grassroots level, working with my nephew’s team, and quickly realised my passion for developing players. Since then, I have undertaken a wide range of coaching courses, including UEFA qualifications and training in coaching disabled footballers.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

My role in football is dynamic, requiring me to manage various responsibilities, from planning training sessions to player recruitment. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the diverse challenges I face daily, particularly the opportunity to work with players of varying abilities and help them reach their full potential.

What skills help people succeed in your job/industry?

A passion for the sport and making a difference, patience, resilience, organisation, and the drive to want to help others succeed.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? / If you could give someone at the beginning of their career one piece of advice, what would that be?

The best piece of advice I have received in my coaching career is:

Support each challenge with a question that gets your players thinking about how to achieve success. This philosophy underpins my approach to coaching – fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and growth in players at all levels.

The National Careers Service provides free, up to date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market in England to anyone aged 13 and upwards. To speak to a National Careers Service adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our webchat. Lines are available from: 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday, and 10am – 5pm Saturday