When Scott Shearer, a professional footballer for 17 years, decided to retire at the end of 2019, he faced an uncertain future. Like many athletes, Scott had spent his career in a structured environment with a steady income, attractive benefits, and dedicated support. Suddenly, he was on his own.
Having worked in recruitment for nearly 20 years, James Hitchman helped Scott navigate his transition from football into the financial services sector—a move that not only opened his eyes to the struggles athletes face but also inspired him to start FutureProof to help more athletes.
The Early Transition: Overcoming Uncertainty
Scott’s experience highlights the common challenges many athletes face when stepping away from sport. “The hardest part of retiring was the unknown,” Scott reflects. “In football, I was looked after in every aspect. The day after I retired, it was all down to me—simple things like registering with a doctor’s surgery, a dentist, or even creating a CV.”
Scott admits that losing the routine he had grown accustomed to was daunting, but he quickly adapted by establishing a new structure for himself. His proactive approach helped him regain control during this crucial phase of his life. However, the support he needed often came from unexpected places. “Surprisingly, I got more help from people outside of football than from within it,” Scott shared, reflecting on how individuals from other industries stepped up to offer advice and guidance when he needed it most.
Finding New Purpose: Support and Guidance in Financial Services
With the right support and guidance, Scott began to chart a new career path. James worked closely with him to prepare for life beyond the pitch—helping him refine his CV, understand the interview process, and transition his skillset into a new industry.
His career journey led him to St. James’s Place Academy, a training programme that allowed Scott to explore a new world—financial services. Scott was particularly drawn to this sector because of his previous experiences. “When I moved to England in 2003, I used an adviser who was a typical transactional salesman. I lost a lot of the money I had built up, which made me scared and anxious about trusting anyone with my finances throughout my career. Now, I feel like I can be the bridge between the financial industry and sportspeople.”
Scott’s work as a financial adviser allows him to do what he enjoys—helping others. In many ways, he found parallels between football and his new career. “In football, you have targets and goals to hit every day. That’s exactly what I have now. I work within a team, just like in football, and I thrive on making sure we give every client a great experience.”
Reflection: Lessons Learned and Advice for Current Athletes
Looking back, Scott wishes he had started preparing for life after football sooner. “It’s now deemed acceptable for athletes to have an eye on what’s next while still under contract. When I played, it wasn’t common, and managers didn’t encourage it. I speak to current players now and tell them to utilise the network sports gives them. Whether it’s studying, gaining work experience, or just meeting local business owners, there’s always help available if you’re willing to look for it.”
He emphasises the importance of having a financial plan and taking proactive steps to explore new career options. His advice to athletes is simple but powerful: “Imagine putting the same energy into your next career as you did into your sport. The possibilities are endless.”
The Financial Services Sector: A Natural Fit for Athletes
Scott’s journey into financial services isn’t unique—athletes are increasingly finding success in industries like financial planning, where their discipline, teamwork, and goal-oriented mindset can shine. The transition may not always be easy, but with proper support and a proactive mindset, it’s possible to find fulfillment and success in a new field.
“I’ve helped a few athletes already, and I’ll never stop offering that support. Football can be all-consuming, and most players leave it to the last minute to think about their next steps. My goal is to help the younger generation coming through so they can be better prepared.”
Scott’s dream is to one day have his own business, where he can help ex-footballers start their careers in financial services and mentor them through the transition. His story serves as a powerful reminder that there is life after sport—and with the right support, athletes can thrive in whatever they choose to pursue.
