Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs education ambassadors, Joe Stimson and Kyle Flanagan, recently took part in a careers workshop with the club's SG Ball squad at Belmore Sports Ground.
The workshop is an integral part of the Wellbeing & Education program at the Bulldogs, focusing on the off-field development of all players from junior representative to NRL level.
The careers program aims to ensure all players are engaged in education and vocation planning whilst playing, to support a smooth transition to life after football.
Education, 1-on-1 career coaching and academic support is provided to all Bulldogs players by the Wellbeing & Education department, to help support their off-field development.
Forward Joe Stimson, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts & Education, would like to pursue a career as a primary school teacher later in life. Heading into his sixth NRL season, Stimson understands the importance of having a plan in place once his sporting career comes to an end.
"I think it's really important for them to think about other areas besides footy, including a backup plan. Only a small percentage of juniors develop into full-time professional athletes.
Having a backup option will benefit them in the long run if rugby league doesn't happen to work out."
Bulldogs Club Career Coach Renee Liddy, who facilitated the initiative, was delighted to have both 2021, NRL Academic Team of the Year Award recipients, on hand to share their experience in balancing life as a professional athlete.
"The majority of our NRL players at the Bulldogs are completing some form of education or career planning, which sets a great example to all of our junior players coming through.
Joe and Kyle, who are our Bulldogs Education Ambassadors, reinforced to our young players the importance of education and starting early to plan for life after football.
It was a valuable learning experience for the young squad and hopefully one that will help them find the right balance between football and planning for the future.”
