Alliance to create education and sport opportunities for student athletes

A new initiative to activate and promote athlete career development is be advanced as a result of a new strategic alliance between peak body Sport SA and Athletes Dream Pty Ltd. Through this alliance, qualifying student athletes will receive opportunities to combine their chosen sport through their higher education, particularly through sought after college scholarships in the USA.

A joint statement from Sport SA and Athletes Dream explains “a sustainable lifestyle post sporting career is a key objective for any athlete.

“Without higher education, too many athletes are experiencing a narrow pathway of opportunity in securing an enjoyable working future.

“Obtaining higher education is paramount in improving the skill set of an athlete, which provides long term returns of social and economic benefit to the communities that once supported the athlete.”

Through this strategic alliance, Sport SA has appointed Athletes Dream as their advisory channel for the student athletes, inviting interested student athletes, families, clubs, schools and academies to contact Athletes Dream for any issue relating to athlete education and career development.

The dual career pathway (study and play) enables the athlete to maximise their potential of succeeding in the professional arena, whilst providing the athlete with a peace of mind for life after sport.

Introducing the alliance, Sport SA Chief Executive Jan Sutherland stated “this is a great opportunity for our athletes to gain a valuable higher education while pursuing their aspirations of a career as an athlete.

“Some talented South Australians are already enjoying this learning for life and sport and Sport SA will be working with Athlete’s Dream who make this pathway more accessible and easier to navigate for everyone.”

Athletes Dream Chief Executive Ash Smith added "Sport SA is positioning themselves at the forefront of athlete academic development.

“True athlete career pathways are very limited in Australia and beyond. The North American College landscape will be a great fit for so many young South Australians.

“We look forward to working Jan and the team at Sport SA to provide accurate information regarding educational opportunities for athletes, contributing towards long term social and economic returns to the state of South Australia".

Smith has worked in athlete career development roles with executive members of Adecco, International Olympic Committee, European Union and UNESCO.

National sport federations and National Olympic Committees are invited to connect with Athletes Dream to understand the value added service that is provided to student athletes seeking a dual career pathway.

For more information contact Ash Smith of Athletes Dream on 0403 527 317, E: asmith@athletesdream.com.au, www.athletesdream.com.au

24th August 2014 - SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SPORTS BUSINESS LEADERS JOIN AUSTRALIAN MASTERS GAMES BOARD 

14th November 2013 - 13 PARTNERS JOIN SINGAPORE ATHLETES SUPPORT SCHEME 

31st July 2011 - SHENZHEN READY TO HOLD A UNIQUE UNIVERSIADE 

7th January 2010 - STUDY ON DISABILITY PARTICIPATION IN SPORT AND RECREATION

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.