Footballer: Getting an education brings many victories, too

As a professional footballer, you’re always focused on the next game. Who’s the opponent? Will I make the team? Are there any injuries holding me back?
Jonas Bager knows all about that. He’s been a professional for many years, both in Denmark and abroad. Right now, he’s under contract with the prestigious IFK Göteborg, a club playing in Sweden’s top league. It’s a childhood dream come true.
But despite his success, Jonas is fully aware that one day, the referee will blow the whistle for the last time. When the boots have been hung up for good, what then?
For Jonas, the answer is education. He has already studied to become a financial economist and is now pursuing a degree in International Business at the IBA, International Business Academy Kolding. The program is offered in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University, which means that Jonas is working towards an English-taught bachelor’s degree, equipping him with the tools to work in international finance.
“You never know what’s going to happen in football—only that the show will stop at some point. And that’s where education is the perfect insurance. It means you’re prepared for other adventures when it’s no longer all about next week’s match,” Jonas explains.

Ready for life after football
Jonas enjoys his life as a footballer. That was true when he played in the Danish Super League for Randers, as well as during his years in Belgium, and now in Sweden. But he’s also finding something special in getting an education.
“As a student you get many successes and personal victories along the way. At the same time, you’re preparing for everything else life has to offer. For instance, I have a friend who’s a trained economist, and through his job, he also travels the world. So, it’s not only as a footballer that you get that opportunity,” Jonas smiles.

He’s been inspired in part by his own siblings, who are studying exciting subjects at university. Another inspiration is the Danish Players’ Association, which has a well-developed programme – Study for Players – that advises footballers on taking up education while still playing.
“As a footballer, you typically train daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week. That means you have plenty of time to do something else when you get home,” says Jonas.

Good experiences with online study
When it’s time for classes, Jonas doesn’t hop in the car and head for Kolding. Naturally, he stays in Gothenburg and studies online. That’s how it was when he was studying financial economics, too. And the footballer has had only positive experiences with taking classes on his computer.
“It’s a very well-structured programme, designed entirely for distance learning. When I started International Business at the IBA, I had to get used to everything being in English. But it’s turned out to be very rewarding. Even though I speak fluent English after several years abroad, I can clearly feel my vocabulary has grown significantly.”

Jonas has also received nothing but supportive nods for pursuing education, even while his football career is in full swing. But managing both requires hard work for IFK Göteborg’s 28-year-old Danish defender—on and off the field. And it means sharp planning, he admits:
“You have to meet deadlines when you study online. Luckily, that’s something sports people are really good at. When we train or play a match, we’re always on time. Every single time. There’s simply no alternative.”