Adecco Australia Launch Athlete Career Program

by Jim Wilson - 2 October, 2005

It has always been a belief of forward thinking sports coaches that athletes perform at their best when they have a lifestyle that combines blending a successful sporting career with education and work place career pursuits.

Adecco is committed to offering athletes this opportunity and through the Athlete Career Program, the world's largest recruitment company delivers a program that gives our elite sports people the chance to experience a successful career away from the sporting arena.

" I think this is a wonderful initiative and I have always been extremely passionate about footballers and athletes having something apart from just their sports careers," AFL Premiership coach David Parkin said.

Parkin was a pioneer of creating opportunities in the work place whilst coaching at the Carlton Football Club and he says now more than ever, the need is there to have athletes embark on a work place occupation that suits their needs and utilises the outstanding qualities developed over years of dedication and devotion in becoming an elite athlete.

" This is vital for any sports person and there is no doubt that an athletes performance improves as a result of having a life away from their chosen sports," Parkin said.

Parkin agrees with recent studies that concluded those athletes who do have commitments outside their chosen sports are less prone to dips and troughs in their on field performance. He says the research also concluded athletes who seek employment will prolong their sporting careers and the transition from sporting career to work place career is far smoother for those who start early.

They're sentiments echoed by eight time national athletics champion Tamsyn Lewis who knows the importance of having options apart from training and competition and to build confidence in what the future will hold after sport. " After ten years representing my country I understand the importance of a balanced life to keep ones feet on the ground and to keep me motivated when injuries and poor form are getting me down. "

Lewis is a great example of someone who thrives on competing but who realises her media and promotional commitments add another dimension to her life. She has seen so many athletes suffer burn-out or been forced to retire due to financial circumstances because they haven't had balance in their life, like a casual job, to support their sporting career.

Adecco’s Australian CEO, Christine Shewry, is extremely passionate about the program and committed to its on going success. “ Elite athletes are renowned for possessing the traits and qualities that most employers are looking for in an employee and the Adecco Athlete Career Program shows athletes how to effectively transfer these qualities from the sporting world to the work place.” Shewry said.

Focus, drive, energy, enthusiasm, self-discipline, organisation, motivation, dependability, self-awareness, able to handle pressure situations, committed to team work, goal orientated, competitive, flexible, responsive to challenges, trainable, good at identifying opportunities are to name but a few of these much sought after qualities. Adecco aims to take these qualities into the work force and give employers’ access to some of the countries most dedicated and motivated individuals.

Through Adecco’s massive network across Australia and the world, the employment opportunities for elite athletes are extensive and this is the beginning of an exciting and valuable initiative that will help athletes prepare for life after sport without compromising their sporting dreams.