Football star swaps dressing room for classroom

From Pitch to Classroom: A Footballer's New Role

Football star swaps dressing room for classroom - Jake Wright, a 40-year-old former defender, now serves as the Year 8 headteacher at Newfield School in Sheffield. When he began his new position in September, students quickly took to testing his credentials. "Most days, kids would ask, 'Why did you choose this school? Surely you've got millions?'" he recalls. "If I had millions, I wouldn't be working at a school," he adds with a laugh.

Wright’s journey into education was unexpected. After a 19-year career spanning Halifax, Oxford United, and Sheffield United, he admits he had little clarity about his future. "I had no idea what I wanted to do after retiring," he says. Yet, he finds fulfillment in his pastoral role, helping students navigate their academic and personal challenges.

A New Chapter

Standing over six feet tall and dressed in a tailored grey jacket, Wright exudes authority in the school’s corridors. His presence brings a sense of familiarity, as if he might still be commanding a football match. "You could imagine him facing off against tough centre forwards," jokes a school staff member, highlighting his confident demeanor.

Despite his football background, Wright’s current job offers a different kind of structure. "I start at 07:30, but every day is unique," he explains. The role demands both discipline and adaptability, with moments of triumph as he helps disengaged students reconnect with learning.

Role Model Impact

As a father of two teenage boys, Wright emphasizes the value of male role models. This became his key argument during the job interview. "I was the only male candidate among six applicants," he says. "I told the head that the role needed a male perspective. Many kids here might not have someone else to talk to, and I felt I could fill that gap."

Growing up on a Bradford council estate, he faced similar challenges. "I lived in an area like this," he reflects. "I didn’t do well at school, but I loved PE and maths. I know what it’s like to feel out of place, which is why I’m here to help others."

Football Career Highlights

Wright’s football career included 46 appearances for Sheffield United, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s 2016/17 promotion to the Championship. His calm leadership and work ethic earned him a place in Chris Wilder’s squad, contributing to a season where the team secured over 100 points without a single loss.

While his former manager, Wilder, was surprised by his career shift, Wright says it wasn’t entirely unexpected. "He never imagined I’d end up here, but I didn’t think of it either," he admits. Former teammates, like Paul Coutts, a midfielder known for his humor, describe Wright as "unassuming" but with a "dry sense of humor."

Chris Basham, who played alongside him at Sheffield United, recalls Wright’s leadership. "He was a great captain," Basham says. "The kids will definitely look up to him. He’s got the right mix of experience and approach to guide them."