Northern Ireland keeper Burns on plans for life after football

What the report says

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns, who has 64 international appearances and recently joined Burnley, is already planning for a career beyond playing. In BBC Sport’s report, Burns said she expects to stay involved in football after retirement, likely in a player-support role rather than as a coach or technical specialist. Her aim is to help newcomers settle into a club and reduce the off-field pressures that can come with moving between teams and countries.

Burns, 29, moved to Burnley this summer after leaving Bristol City. The club has just been promoted to Women’s Super League 2, and Burns said its approach to supporting her future ambitions was a major factor in her decision. She described feeling valued as a person, not only as a player, and said that practical help with everyday issues can make a significant difference for footballers arriving from abroad.

Her comments reflect a wider reality in women’s football, where players often move across leagues and countries while managing short-term careers and uncertain transitions. Burns has played in Iceland, Canada and Sweden over a 15-year career, and said those experiences, along with challenges she has faced off the pitch, shape her wish to support others in similar situations.