EIS Launch Athlete Career Development Prog

by Rebecca Roberts - 09.10.09

The English Institute of Sport (EIS), under the Performance Lifestyle Programme, has launched the Athlete Career Development Programme, which aims to provide World Class Programme Athletes with an introduction to organisations receptive to the exceptional skills athletes can bring to the work place.

Having developed the programme within the Performance Lifestyle support service over a number of years the EIS is hoping that through its partners, the Athlete Career Development Programme will develop some exciting and valuable opportunities for athletes.

Supporting athletes in all aspects of their life, pre, during and post competing, the programme will be supported by the British Olympic Association who will work with the EIS to help develop the scheme, in particular by brokering introductions to its extensive network of contacts.

Emma Mitchell, who has led the programme at the EIS, believes that opportunities to gain an insight into the world of work, developing career related skill sets, are valued by Olympic and Paralympic athletes as well as organisations that are keen to support British athletes.

“The majority of elite athletes have a full-time commitment to the training and competition needed to achieve the world class performance levels they aspire to, leaving little time to develop personally and professionally to develop transferable skills” explains Mitchell.

“Many athletes are keen to develop post-sport career plans to transition into a second career once they retire from international sport, whilst others may be looking for the financial support whilst training, requiring a flexible position. Those athletes with more time availability are those retiring or transitioning off a World Class Programme, looking to explore what their next career will be.

“The Athlete Career Development Programme aims to work with partners to develop suitable opportunities to help athletes in all of these scenarios” she adds.

Athletes often bring a range of transferable skills, values and qualities to the work place, many of which are extremely attractive to potential employers including leadership, motivation, decision-making, team and communication skills.

“One of the challenges for the programme will be to identify those potential employers who appreciate the value of the qualities athletes can bring and are able to offer the right opportunities, understanding and flexibility that an athlete needs” admits Mitchell.

“For the companies, the programme will offer an opportunity to talent spot for future employee potential and bring the reality and excitement of a home Games into the workplace, whilst supporting Great Britain’s elite athletes. For athletes, the benefits include the opportunity to expand their network, develop and transfer skills to a work environment and take ownership of their preparation and planning for their future” she adds.

Andy Hunt, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association said; The BOA is delighted that the EIS Performance Lifestyle Advisor network is providing a vehicle to enable athletes to access career advice, support and placements – and we look forward to working closely with the EIS to help develop a wide portfolio of opportunities to match the diversity of athlete needs – as well as finding ways to develop the service further”,

Throughout the scheme, the EIS Performance Lifestyle Advisors will support athletes to ensure that they are maximising the opportunity whilst also continuing their commitment to their sport performance.

“The EIS Athlete Career Development Programme particularly embodies the Performance Lifestyle philosophy of developing people to deliver performance and will be a very tangible benefit to many of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes” says Nick Slade, EIS Head of Performance Lifestyle.

“The programme’s continued expansion and success will be reliant on a number of key partnerships  continuing to develop solutions appropriate to our client athletes and sports, supporting existing relationships with athlete employers and maximising our collaboration with other organisations supporting the development of athletes” he adds. 

Partnerships have already been established with a number of organisations including Cadbury and Lucozade Sport, with more expected to come on board over the coming months

The Athlete Career Development Programme is looking for organisations who feel that they could offer opportunities to elite athletes. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Emma Mitchell at emma.mitchell@eis2win.co.uk 

 Photography (C) Getty Images