Football careers don’t last forever so players should put the appropriate building blocks in place to ensure they have something to fall back on to when it is time to hang up the boots.
Every NRL club has a qualified career coach whose job it is to deliver the CareerWise program and help players plan for life after sport. The program is delivered to players of all ages from elite juniors (U16s and U18s) to VB NSW Cup players, under-20s and NRL players.
I played my best footy when I was working or studying off the field.Andrew Ryan
Former Australian Kangaroo & NRL Welfare & Education Manager
No Work, No Study, No Play
It works by mandating that all players in the NYC program must work and/or study for at least 24 hours per week to be eligible to play.
This has made sure our players are not left behind by their peers, either on the field, in the classroom or at work. To allow this to happen Clubs are not allowed to schedule compulsory training between the hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
By completing an apprenticeship while playing, you are able to leverage off the contacts you make through football to give you a head start in running your own business.Gavin Lester
NRL Mentor with the Sydney Roosters
“No Work, No Study, No Play’ also helps instil an understanding that work and perseverance bring their own reward by helping to build a person’s character.
Professional sport can end anytime, I believe it is very important to have a trade to fall back on.Corey Hughes
NRL Mentor with the Cronulla Sharks