You’d assume there won’t be many language lessons for footballers happening around Wembley right now, as Italy and England prepare to face off in Sunday’s European Championship Final.
It’s likely the teams are probably otherwise occupied.
It’s also probable that some of the heroes on the pitch have taken language lessons for footballers already or will need to in the future.
Just look at the number of primary languages spoken in the home nations of the 24 qualifying teams –
- Austria – German language
- Belgium – Dutch language
- Croatia – Croatian language
- Czech Republic – Czech language
- Denmark – Danish language
- England – English language
- Finland – Finnish and Swedish languages
- France – French language.
- Germany – German language
- Italy – Italian language
- Netherlands – Dutch language
- Poland – Polish language
- Portugal – Portuguese language
- Russia – Russian language
- Spain – Spanish language
- Sweden – Swedish language
- Switzerland – German, French, Italian and Romansh languages
- Turkey – Turkish language
- Ukraine – Ukrainian language
- Wales – English and Welsh languages
- North Macedonia – Macedonian and Albanian languages
- Hungary – Hungarian language
- Scotland – English language
- Slovakia – Slovak language
Language lessons for footballers aren’t needed for national teams.
They’re needed for the crème of the sport who might play for multiple league teams in several different countries during their careers, including some of the above.
What sorts of language lessons for footballers are most requested?
There are different ways of providing language lessons for footballers, though the end goal is the same – for players to become more fluent in the mother tongue of whichever country they find themselves working and living in.
Three of the most common criteria for language lessons for footballers include –
- Language commonality – Some Managers believe that a common language boosts team comradery. The common language chosen is usually the primary language of the country a team calls home. In such cases, language lessons for footballers are arranged for those who need them.
- Intensive learning – Some players sign up for intensive language courses, either ahead of their moves, or soon after arriving in a new country.
- Home Office requirements – Non-national residents in the UK are required to reach and maintain an acceptable level of English fluency to live and work here. These rules aren’t waived for sporting icons, making language lessons for footballers highly relevant in cases of any potential doubt.
At La Academia, we say “In bocca al lupo” to Italy and “Good luck” to England for the final.
And, to any of the players who might find themselves inbound or outbound needing language lessons, you know where to find us.