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Once a player (athlete) has finished formal education at 16 years old, they have many options to choose from. These options are whether to stay in education, go to some form of work or focus solely on their sport. Below is a basic description of the player's options for discussion with their Lifestyle Manager. Making a player aware of all of the alternatives can help them to make an informed decision.
Seeking advice: Encourage the player to speak to the Lifestyle Manager, school, careers department and so forth. Exploring all the options first, so they can make an informed decision based on their personal circumstances and sporting ambitions.
Full-time Sport: This may be possible given their personal circumstances. However, is the player disciplined sufficiently to structure their day around their sport? Would a part-time course or work experience occupy their mind and be useful for their future careers?
Work / Work Experience: Financial constraints or careers aspirations may dictate that working part-time, for example, may be one course of action. Careful selection of employers is paramount for elite athletes – do they understand elite sport, training, competitions and the flexibility required at different times in the year? Do not forget that some employers may sponsor athletes through education or training courses.
Distance Learning: Some courses are available via distance learning. These tend to be mainly postgraduate or short courses as opposed to undergraduate degrees. More information is available on http://www.ukeu.com/. Players need to be reminded that distance learning courses may suit certain people, but others find it difficult to motivate themselves without personal contact of tutors and fellow students.
Open University: The OU offers a great variety of short courses and degree programmes. The great advantage for athletes in studying at the OU or distance learning programmes is that they can do it at times and venues to suit them. More information is available at http://www.open.ac.uk/.
Life Long Learning: The government is very keen to encourage education throughout one’s life. Hence, players are not too old or young. This means that for players who wish to fulfill their sporting ambitions early in life, they can return to education later in life. You may only get one chance in sport, there is plenty of opportunities to integrate education (ie post 16). More information on http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/.
Further Education: Further education colleges offer a variety of courses and qualifications to suit all needs, interests and abilities. They may also provide a more local venue for players to continue their education and sport simultaneously.
Higher Education: If a player is keen to attend university then they need to do some research on the institution and the course they would like to study. Things to consider include – location, type of university, cost, subjects, quality and reputation, sport, facilities etc. It is a good idea that they also speak the WRU PL Manager who has expertise in this area and will make links for the player directly to the course leader to get the full picture about sport and their chosen course. Questions to ask will include – sports facilities, training, coaches, travel (Director) and flexibility, part or full-time study, distance learning material, understand elite sport (course leader) etc.
Foundation Degrees: This is a government initiative that widens access to HE. Students normally do two years at an FE college and then their final year at university. There are reduced entry requirements, but all the benefits of being associated with a university. More information available at http://www.foundationdegree.org.uk/.
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