PPF LAUNCHES ‘CAREER TRANSITION WEEK’ TO SHOWCASE CHANGING ATTITUDE OF SPORTSPEOPLE TOWARDS LIFE AFTER SPORT

The Professional Players Federation launches its inaugural ‘Career Transition Week’ today to showcase the work that its member Player Associations do to support players prepare for life after sport and demonstrate the positive approach towards transition taken by today’s generation of sportspeople.

Supported by the Tom Maynard Trust, the week will feature a different theme each day on Twitter, highlighting the many different areas of development which enable professional sportspeople to not only excel in their chosen sport but also be successful in their second careers.

Throughout this week, the PPF will be publishing a wide range of career transition case studies outlining the key highlights and challenges faced by sportspeople who have transitioned into careers both in sport and in the outside world.  Also, the PPF will release a series of short films featuring a number of sportspeople from across sport focusing on different aspects of transition including mental health, transferable skills, CPD, dual careers and education.

The Player Associations typically provide dedicated Personal Development, Education and Careers Services complimented by financial and mental health support. The week features examples from the PFA, RPA, PCA and PJA.

Simon Taylor, Chief Executive of the PPF said, “Results from our past player survey last year highlight that some players can struggle with transition away from sport.  However, Player Associations have some amazing resources to assist players with their career transition. By providing financial, practical and emotional support, the associations help players to develop skills, experience and qualifications to prepare them for their second careers.”  

Lisa Delany, Chair of the PPF Education & Training Committee said, “Over recent years, all our members have noticed that players are responding far more positively to the whole concept of transition and dual career, as a consequence thinking about life after sport much earlier in their careers.  Many sportspeople don’t know when they may have to retire and it’s vital that they take advantage of the opportunities provided by their Player Associations to develop themselves through transition workshops, training courses, networking events, work experience and education courses.”  

Mike Fatkin, trustee of the Tom Maynard Trust said, “The Tom Maynard Trust is delighted to be supporting this fantastic initiative by the PPF. Career transitioning is a key element of the wider educational and induction programmes we are involved in across a number of sports and any campaign which highlights to sportspeople the importance of thinking ahead and of looking at how they prepare themselves for life after a sporting career is something we would be really keen to encourage.  There’s some wonderful work being done out there to help athletes and this is another great example.”

To learn more about the work of the RPA PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME please click here.