A unique graduation event took place at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, featuring current and former Premier League footballers who have completed a postgraduate diploma in global football sport directorship. Among the graduates were Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi, both recognized for their accomplishments within the sport.
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Cesar Azpilicueta, a former Chelsea captain, shared his experience of studying the morning of the 2021 Champions League final, which helped him focus prior to leading his team to victory against Manchester City. Dewsbury-Hall, 28, emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating, "I hope I've got a long time left in football. But as a person, I'm always trying to learn and develop away from the pitch."
Awoniyi, 29, who joined Coventry from Nottingham Forest over the summer, highlighted his commitment to education, having already earned a degree in business management along with two diplomas. Reflecting on his father's strict approach to education, he noted, "I always felt education was important. It was a promise I made to my dad that if I played football, I would keep studying."
Discussing the challenges of a football career, Awoniyi recalled a serious injury in May 2025 that had him in a medically induced coma. He spoke on the importance of having interests beyond football, using his studies to maintain balance in his life. "I say to people there are a lot of things that are bigger than football," he remarked.
The graduation was attended by family members, with Awoniyi expressing pride in sharing the moment with them. Dewsbury-Hall sought advice from Tim Cahill, a former Everton midfielder and now involved in Qatari football. He addressed common stereotypes about footballers, stating, "You'd be surprised how many intelligent people there are in football."
For Wycombe Wanderers defender Steve Cook, the course represented a return to education after years. With his playing career nearing its end, he looked forward to applying his new knowledge in the future. Azpilicueta, who retired last season, reinforced the value of education in enhancing professional life, sharing that studying helped him develop leadership qualities on the pitch.
The PFA program includes insights from industry leaders, such as Brighton's chief executive Paul Barber, designed to prepare players for various roles in football. As these graduates focus on their current playing careers, they are also equipping themselves for potential future careers as coaches, executives, or sporting directors.