The UEFA EURO 2024 is here. Doesn’t it come by so quickly?
Nothing brings the country together more than watching England play in an international tournament. Two words that you might not usually see be brought together in the same sentence, however, are the words ‘accountancy,’ and ‘football.’ But then again, football is a commonly spoken language for people worldwide!
Football can offer many benefits, whether you’re studying hard to reach your goals, or trying to escape the stresses of your work life. In fact - if numbers are more your thing, it is considered the most popular sport worldwide, with around 4 billion fans globally and 240 million people regularly playing the game. It has also been reported that the global football market is estimated to be 4.04 billion USD, while a career as a professional footballer can be amongst some of the highest-paying jobs in the world.
We’re not trying to convince you to become a professional football player - sport isn’t necessarily our forte. But playing the sport can help improve your mental and physical well-being, and strengthen transferable skills such as confidence, teamwork, and social skills - all of which are helpful within the accounting and finance industry.
Leading by example
Although England is the rightful home of football, the city of Manchester is where you’ll find two of the biggest English teams - Manchester City F.C and Manchester United F.C. Our Manchester office is taking advantage of the benefits of playing football.
Earlier in 2024, Kaplan’s Service Operations team chose to become more active by setting up a five-a-side football team. And after receiving plenty of interest, this small department football team branched out to others across the office.
Those involved believed that a derby between departments would help to blur some lines and introduce new faces within a familiar workplace, so our Kaplan Universal Square office in Manchester witnessed the unity of one big team created from several departments. In just the first two weeks, they already noticed the benefits of team building and improving relationships within the workplace.
The benefits of football
Our football team at Kaplan have not only seen the team building and fitness benefits to the game. Aside from the physical advantages, the football team has helped to encourage a sense of belonging, improved mental health, and provided a comfortable environment for participants to express themselves.
Whether you’re trying to reach your goals through studying, working or both, the benefits of playing football (as well as other sports) are great. Here are a few ways football can help you in your career:
- Stress relief - playing football can help you relieve stress as physical activity will release endorphins. This overall improves your mood and reduces anxiety, which is always appreciated if you’re studying towards exams.
- Teamwork - playing football involves working closely with your fellow teammates, which enhances your ability to communicate and collaborate with others. This is a transferable skill that you’ll value in both academic and professional settings.
- Resilience - whether you play football or you’re just a fan, football teaches us resilience and perseverance as you learn how to cope with wins and losses. This can translate into better handling of challenges and setbacks in academic and professional environments.
“If you’re a football fan, that is just reflective of life. There are highs, there are lows, it’s unpredictable but it’s about being part of a team. That’s what’s important.”
- Time management - another transferable skill, balancing your football training and matches with work or studying schedules can help improve your self-discipline and time management skills.
- Cognitive behaviours - the strategic and fast-paced nature of football can help to improve mental functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. It’s safe to say that these attributes are very beneficial when working in finance.
- Networking - similar to Manchester’s Universal Square Kaplan five-a-side team, playing football can significantly expand your social circle. Aside from just making friends, networking with others can help you collaborate academically or help you progress in your career.
- Leadership skills - being part of a football team can enhance leadership abilities, especially as you gain confidence and the ability to motivate and manage a group. Leadership skills can help you become confident in your own decision-making, and help you progress professionally.
Study with Kaplan
At Kaplan, we understand the importance of developing your transferable skills during your studies to help you develop your career. Browse our accountancy and tax courses and become a confident leader both on and off the football pitch.
Remember that maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly will prove to be invaluable when studying. Read more about our study tips and guidance on maintaining positive well-being and getting the most out of your studies.