The Second Half is a programme supporting female footballers in Europe, as they consider their careers beyond the football pitch, which was launched in 2020. Visa collaborated with Karen Carney OBE (Former England international) and former Team Visa footballer Kim Little MBE (Current club captain and former Scotland international, 140 caps). The programme aims to support the players who are at the heart of women’s football and ultimately accelerate the growth of the women’s game.
Whether you retire today, tomorrow, or in 10 years from now — the goal of The Second Half is to ensure that you have the skills in your locker to prepare for a smooth transition into a new career.
Through The Second Half, Visa helps female footballers recognise that their skills are transferable, showing how they will be able to apply these outside of sport through training, mentoring and networking.
Apply to join the Second Half programme
Visa is committed to supporting female footballers on and off the pitch, giving them the tools, resources and skills to thrive.
Visa is helping to grow the game, which we hope will encourage more brands to invest and more young girls to believe that a successful career in football is possible
We believe that more businesses will benefit from the valuable contributions, diverse thinking and unique skill-sets of female footballers and other elite athletes.
“For the women’s game to continue to succeed, creating long-term career paths for players is a must. That’s why partnering with Visa on The Second Half to help athletes recognise their potential off the pitch continues to be a source of pride for me.”
Karen Carney OBE, programme creator
REPORT:
We’ve written this report to help other businesses understand the value in women’s football, from a brand that has seen it flourish from the inside. We unpack the transformational impact of investing in women’s football for the sport and for partners, why the time is now to maximise that opportunity— and how.
Read the report
REPORT:
As the first-ever UEFA sponsor dedicated to women's football, Visa’s ‘Women thriving, on and off the pitch’ report underscores its commitment to elevating the game, whilst driving excellence, equality and inclusion for women across the whole economy. Read more about how the transferable skills learnt by playing team sports can help women business owners reach their full potential.
Read the report
As part of Visa’s commitment to champion small businesses in Europe, we’re shining on spotlight on small business owners across the UK, highlighting the important role they play in powering our communities and economies.
Visa’s ‘Team Talks’ series features leading professionals in women’s football and female entrepreneurs, kickstarting an open conversation about the secrets to their success and the transferable skills that help them thrive when running their business.
Karen Carney OBE talks to Alanna Atkinson, Founder of Manchester-based ice cream business A Few Scoops, about how playing team sport can boost career confidence.
Brooke Chaplen talks to Georgina Knight, Owner of Southampton-based hair salon, The Organic Hair Lounge, about how playing team sports helped to develop career resilience.
Visa is the Exclusive Payment Service Partner of FIFA and has run its Team Visa programme since 2000. The programme aims to provide athletes with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive on and off the pitch, regardless of their origin or background.
Meet Team Visa
Whether you retire today, tomorrow, or in 10 years from now — the goal of The Second Half is to ensure that you have the skills in your locker to prepare for a smooth transition into a new career. Why not apply to join the new intake?
Register for The Second Half programme
