Northern Ireland’s first-choice goalkeeper Jackie Burns has just signed for Burnley, but she’s already planning for life beyond the pitch.
Now 29, Burns is preparing for a second career when her playing days end. Over the past 15 years she has competed in leagues around the world, including in Iceland, Canada and Sweden, and has dealt with challenges off the field as well as on it—experiences she hopes to use to support others.
She intends to stay in football, likely in a player-care role rather than a purely football-focused position, helping teammates settle into new environments and making sure they feel comfortable and understood as people as well as players.
Burns chose newly promoted second-tier side Burnley after leaving Bristol City, drawn in part by the club’s willingness to back her post-playing ambitions. That commitment, she says, makes her feel valued and heard.
Having moved countries before, she knows how tricky basics like housing or finding a car can be. When a club helps with those details, it eases the pressure and makes the transition smoother—support that can go unnoticed but makes a big difference once players feel truly valued.