Alumnus Talk: Life as a Professional Footballer, Sam Woods

A group of lively sports scholars recently had the privilege of hearing from Sam Woods (Class of 2017), a former Trinity student, who shared insights into his life as a professional footballer. 

During his time at Trinity, Sam was a standout athlete, excelling in football, cricket, and rugby. Sam’s talent earned him a place at Crystal Palace FC Academy, where he worked his way up to the first team. His journey included loan spells at Hamilton Academical and Plymouth Argyle, providing him with invaluable first-team experience. Later, he transferred to Barnet FC and then Bromley FC, where he played in a memorable match that saw Bromley promoted to the English Football League for the first time in its history, in a thrilling season finale at Wembley. 

Balancing academic life at Trinity with a burgeoning football career was no easy feat. As Sam approached his GCSEs, managing schoolwork alongside rigorous training schedules became increasingly challenging. Yet, this period taught him lifelong skills: time management, resilience, respect, teamwork, and communication. 

Sam painted a vivid picture of the highs and lows of a footballing career. 

The Pros 

• Passion as a Profession: Few are fortunate enough to do what they love for a living
• Financial Rewards: At the highest level, footballers are well compensated
• Peak Physical Fitness: The sport demands and promotes excellent physical health
• Team Spirit: Being part of a close-knit team brings immense satisfaction, especially during moments of collective success.

The Cons 

• Injuries: These are an inevitable part of the game and can sideline players for weeks, months, or even end careers prematurely
• Short Career Span: Football careers are typically brief, making it essential to have a Plan B
• Job Uncertainty: Players can be released from contracts unexpectedly, which might mean relocating to another club far from home
• Public Scrutiny: The opinions of fans and critics can be harsh; staying mentally strong is crucial.

Sam also shared valuable advice for those considering a career in sport: 

• Believe in Yourself: Confidence is key. If you don’t believe in your abilities, no one else will
• Embrace the Highs and Lows: Learn to navigate both with a positive mindset
• Enjoy the Journey: Relish every moment, from the small victories to the significant milestones
• Treat Everyone with Respect: Respect fosters strong relationships, both on and off the pitch.

Following his talk, Sam toured the school for the first time since leaving in 2015. He was thrilled to reconnect with former teachers and classmates, including Mr Jackson (Class of 2017), now working in the school library, and Ms Beaumont, who fondly remembered Sam as one of her top Maths students. 

Today, Sam plays part-time for AFC Croydon Athletic while exploring new career opportunities. His journey serves as a testament to the dedication, adaptability, and passion required to thrive in professional sport. 

…

With thanks to Mrs Donna Lewis, Alumni Services Manager at Trinity School, Croydon, for organising the talk and providing the above summary.