Ivan Larsen 
The beautiful game isn’t just a weekend hobby – it’s a full-blown lifestyle for many football fans. Whether it’s attending matches, running fantasy leagues, or keeping up with club news, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the overall culture and supporting landscape.
But what if your passion for football could also become a source of extra income? As living costs continue to rise, many supporters are finding creative ways to offset expenses related to their fandom – from travel to away days, to covering the cost of season tickets.
Here’s a look at some of the side hustles that are not only keeping fans engaged but also helping them earn a little extra on the side.
Football Blogging and Content Creation
Starting a football blog or YouTube channel may not lead to overnight success, but it’s one of the most popular routes for fans looking to share their opinions while exploring a possible income stream.
If you have strong views on your club’s transfer strategy or a talent for tactical analysis, there’s likely an audience keen to hear from you. Monetisation can come through display advertising, sponsorships, affiliate links, or even offering premium content on platforms like Patreon.
Short-form video content is also on the rise, especially on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Quick match previews, fan reactions, or “my unpopular football opinions” clips often go viral, opening the door to brand collaborations.
Podcasting for Passionate Supporters
In recent years, football podcasts have exploded in popularity. From niche team-specific shows to broader debates on the state of the game, there’s plenty of space for new voices – especially those offering fresh, fan-led perspectives.
Creating a podcast is relatively low-cost and can be done from home with basic equipment. With consistent output and a loyal following, opportunities for advertising and sponsorship can follow. Many podcasters also build a strong community around their show, leading to additional revenue streams like merchandise sales or live Q&A events.
Selling Vintage Shirts and Memorabilia
Football shirt collecting has become a big business. Classic kits from the ’90s and early 2000s are especially in demand, as are rare training tops and international kits. For those with a good eye and a bit of patience, reselling vintage shirts can be a rewarding venture.
Sites like eBay, Vinted, and Depop are commonly used, while dedicated Instagram pages and pop-up shops are becoming more popular in major cities. Fans who travel regularly or visit charity shops often find valuable items that others miss. It’s also worth exploring club memorabilia beyond kits – programmes, badges, scarves, and even tickets from historic matches all have collector value.
Running Football-Themed Social Media Accounts
Fan accounts on platforms like Twitter/X and Instagram can reach thousands – if not millions – of followers with the right mix of humour, insight, and breaking news. You could post memes, mock transfer updates, or provide tactical breakdowns; a successful football-themed account can attract attention from media outlets, brands, and fellow fans alike. Many admins of popular accounts eventually collaborate with clubs, betting brands, or media companies.
Growing such an account takes time and consistency, but for those glued to the football news cycle, it might feel more like a fun challenge than a chore.
Freelancing in the Football Industry
There are countless part-time freelance opportunities within football media – writing match previews, graphic design for fan channels, editing highlight reels, and even providing commentary for grassroots or lower-league matches streamed online. These roles not only offer a chance to earn extra income but also provide a platform for personal growth and skill development.
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour often feature listings for football-specific freelance gigs, while they could also be discovered through LinkedIn and Indeed. Some start out unpaid but can lead to regular paid work once you’ve built a portfolio.
Refereeing and Coaching
If you’d prefer to stay close to the pitch, local refereeing and coaching roles can provide weekend income while keeping you active and involved. County FA associations offer training and accreditation, and many leagues are constantly on the lookout for reliable match officials and coaches.
While the pay may not be substantial in the early stages, it’s a meaningful way to give back to the sport – and can lead to further opportunities in the footballing ecosystem.
Fantasy Football Competitions and Tournaments
While not a guaranteed money-maker, many fantasy football platforms now offer prize pools, with some leagues even offering entry-based cash games. For players who closely track player stats, injury reports, and tactical trends, fantasy football competitions can become more than just a friendly rivalry.
There are also third-party apps and sites that host cash-based fantasy leagues, particularly during major tournaments like the Euros or World Cup.
Final Thoughts
Football is more than just a 90-minute match – it’s a year-round passion for millions. For the football-obsessed, finding a side hustle that fits around your matchday rituals or transfer window obsessions isn’t just possible – it’s increasingly common.
Whether you’re reselling rare shirts, growing a podcast, or exploring niche areas away from these already-mentioned, side hustles like matched betting, there are many ways of turning your passion into a side hustle. With the right approach and a touch of dedication, your football habit might just end up helping you fund the expense of driving you to games all season.
