England’s Women’s Super League became the first fully-professional women’s football league in Europe in 2018.

But when presented with a professional contract, football is not always a financially viable option compared to continuing a different job. Few football clubs offer salary packages comparable to those available in teaching.

What is life like for players who have made that choice? Why do some leave football behind? What influences their choices, and do they have regrets?

Michelle Hinnigan

'The wage I got offered was a big step down'

Inspired by the teachers who encouraged her to trial for Everton aged 11 and, later, to leave school to attend Loughborough University on a football scholarship, Michelle Hinnigan has taught PE at a girls’ school in Liverpool for three years.

But when Everton won promotion to the top flight of women's football in 2017, WSL 1 as it was called then, a career in the top flight beckoned.

Hinnigan's football credentials were strong. She had played for Everton for 10 years and represented her country at Under-17, 19, 20 and 23 levels. At Loughborough she lived with England’s Jade Moore and Gemma Bonner, then in halls with Toni Duggan, Ellen White, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott.