Northern Ireland GK Jackie Burns on plans for life after football

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.

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.”

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.

“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.”