Headline: Northern Ireland Goalkeeper Jackie Burns Prepares for Life After Football with New Role at Burnley
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns has established herself as the starting player for her national team and has recently signed with Burnley. Already at 29 years old, she turns her thoughts to life beyond football.
With a career spanning 15 years, Burns has garnered experience playing in various leagues across the globe, including those in Iceland, Canada, and Sweden.
Throughout her journey, she has faced numerous challenges both on and off the pitch. This motivates her to support future players who may encounter similar hurdles.
When discussing her plans for the future, Burns commented, “I have definitely thought about it. I still want to be a part of football in whatever aspect that may be.”
She envisions a role more focused on player care rather than just the football side. “It’s just making sure they are comfortable so it’s not a challenge for them coming in. They are a player in a team – but a person too.”
Burns opted to join the newly-promoted Women’s Super League 2 club Burnley this summer after departing from Bristol City. She aims to leverage her experiences to assist others in their transitions. A significant factor in her decision was Burnley’s commitment to support her post-career aspirations.
Burns feels that this backing emphasizes her personal value. “[I want to] feel heard as a person and they really inspire me in that aspect,” she said.
“I’ve been to a few places and while you’re always excited to go, sometimes it can be a challenge. You don’t know what way things work.”
She added, “It’s basic stuff like getting a house or a car which can be quite complicated if you’re not from that country. If you have someone in a club who can help take that stress off you, it just makes the experience a lot easier.”
Burns emphasizes that feeling valued can significantly ease the experience for many players.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns is the number one for her country and has just signed for Burnley – but she is already thinking about her next steps.
At some point, the 29-year-old will leave football and she is doing what she can now to prepare herself for a new career.
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Across 15 years so far, Burns has built experience playing in leagues across the world, including Iceland, Canada and Sweden.
Along the way she has faced challenges off the pitch, as well as on it, and wants to help players in the future in similar situations.
Speaking about life after football, Burns said: “I have definitely thought about it. I still want to be a part of football in whatever aspect that may be.
“It will probably be in more of a player-care role, just helping players as they progress through a team, and not so much on the football aspect.
“It’s just making sure they are comfortable so it’s not a challenge for them coming in. They are a player in a team – but a person too.”
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Burns chose to join newly-promoted Women’s Super League 2 club Burnley this summer having left Bristol City.
She hopes to use her experience to help others settle in and said a big part of her decision to join was Burnley’s willingness to support her post-career ambitions.
The goalkeeper feels that support from Burnley puts “value on her” as a person.
“[I want to] feel heard as a person and they really inspire me in that aspect,” said Burns.
“I’ve been to a few places and while you’re always excited to go, sometimes it can be a challenge. You don’t know what way things work.
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“It’s basic stuff like getting a house or a car which can be quite complicated if you’re not from that country.
“If you have someone in a club who can help take that stress off you, it just makes the experience a lot easier.
“It can go unseen sometimes. For a lot of players, as soon as they feel valued, it just turns into an easier experience.”
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