PLAYER STORY
“It’s never too late”
Craig Dundas
Former Sutton United player Craig Dundas on achieving a lifelong dream and preparing for life beyond football.
Craig enjoyed a long and distinguished football career, including captaining Sutton United through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. After years of dedication outside the Football League, he fulfilled a lifelong ambition by making his English Football League debut at the age of 40. His story is one of perseverance, resilience and recognising the importance of preparing for life after football, even while still pursuing your dreams.
For many players, professional football ends long before their 40th birthday. For Craig Dundas, it was only just beginning.
After a career built on determination and consistency, Craig finally achieved his dream of playing in the EFL with Sutton United. He made his long-awaited debut against Stevenage in 2021, describing it as one of the proudest moments of his career and the culmination of decades of hard work.
Alongside reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Craig speaks honestly about the importance of preparing for what comes after football. Like many players, he admits that navigating future career options can feel daunting and that more guidance around education, coaching and employment is needed.
Now beginning a player-to-coach pathway, Craig believes organisations such as The Players Foundation play a vital role in helping players and their families through periods of transition, offering practical support as well as reassurance that they are not facing those challenges alone.
Craig’s story is a reminder that football careers are unpredictable and planning for the future can go hand in hand with the pursuit of success on the pitch.
INTERVIEW
“It’s never too late”
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