Don't downplay volunteering! Soccer tournaments from local youth competitions to national showcases are packed with real-world opportunities to build experience, skills, and connections, just as an internship would.
In fact, many pros in the soccer industry got their start this way.
Here’s how volunteering at tournaments can give your career a boost:
From team check-in to match scheduling, you'll see first-hand how soccer events are run and where your skills might fit.
You can meet coaches, organizers, scouts, and staff. These connections often lead to internships, mentorships, and even job offers down the line.
Working a weekend tournament shows initiative, reliability, and a genuine interest in the game: all things hiring managers love to see.
Whether it’s operations, media, sponsorship, or logistics, volunteering gives you a low-pressure way to test different roles in the soccer world.
Bottom line? You don’t need a formal internship to start building your soccer career. You just need to show up, help out, and make the most of every opportunity.