Athlete Career Transition plans to launch a digital platform to enhance support for retired athletes in the U.S., providing access to job opportunities, online education, and networking while fostering partnerships with companies for skill development.
Athlete Career Transition (ACT) is set to launch a new digital platform aimed at enhancing the accessibility of its transition services for retired athletes in the United States. Established in 2010 by Welsh brothers Steve and Andy Moore, who both have experienced injuries that cut short their rugby careers, ACT has successfully placed over 500 athletes in various professional roles by partnering with companies such as EY, Estée Lauder, and Equinix. Historically, the organization has primarily acted as a headhunting service, responding to corporate outreach to match retired athletes with suitable job opportunities. However, the introduction of the online portal aims to democratize access, allowing athletes globally to engage with ACT’s comprehensive support ecosystem at their own pace. The platform will feature a job board listing available positions, online educational modules for skill enhancement, a ventures hub that provides entrepreneurial guidance, and a community space for networking with fellow athletes. “One of the important things, in terms of the businesses that we work with, is looking at the culture and values of the organization, and does that really align itself with that of an athlete, and do they have the support mechanisms in place to really wrap around an athlete who needs that support going forward?” stated Steve Moore, co-founder and director. ACT was founded to address a significant issue identified by the Moores: many athletes lack guidance during the transition from sport to professional careers, particularly regarding their identity and value beyond athletics. This issue is particularly relevant in the UK, where the structured sports academy system often diverts talented athletes from pursuing a university education, whereas in the U.S., NCAA athletes generally have some college education but may still face challenges due to the rigorous demands of their sport. To cater to these unique needs, ACT has developed various training programs, some delivered by external facilitators but many created by its own team, including performance psychologist Odette Hornby, who brings her own experience as a former international fencer pursuing a Ph.D. “Ultimately, and the ideal scenario, is that we have athletes delivering these courses for other athletes,” remarked Andy Moore, who has led the Welsh national rugby team. The educational offerings may include technical training, such as proficiency in software such as Excel, alongside soft skills workshops focusing on resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Collaborative programs with corporations, like EY, have also been developed, enabling athletes to cultivate relevant skills while facilitating mutual understanding between companies and athletes. “What we gleaned from that was there was a huge appetite from the athletes to gain more relevant skills,” Andy Moore added.
Athlete Career Transition (ACT) seeks to assist retired professional athletes in navigating their career transitions by offering a structured support system that addresses their unique challenges. Founded by former elite rugby players whose own careers ended due to injuries, the organization has successfully placed many athletes in various industries, highlighting the importance of tailored support services. The upcoming digital platform represents a significant shift towards broader accessibility, enabling athletes to independently initiate their career transitions while offering a range of resources to aid in this process. The organization’s collaboration with prominent corporations is a testament to its commitment to aligning corporate culture with the values of athletes, ensuring that the workforce is supportive and conducive to their development.
In conclusion, Athlete Career Transition’s upcoming digital platform marks a pivotal development in providing retired athletes with the resources and support necessary for a successful transition into the workforce. By fostering a community and offering various educational and employment opportunities, ACT aims to empower athletes globally to navigate their career paths effectively and to cultivate their identities beyond their athletic careers. The program’s collaborative approach with corporations underscores its commitment to ensuring that both athletes and employers benefit from these initiatives.
Original Source: www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
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