Mentoring program aids elite athletes

The Next Level Elite program recently marked its first birthday with the announcement that Phil Hoffmann Travel has come on board as their first corporate partner.

Thanks to Phil Hoffmann Travel’s support, young athletes will be part funded to participate in the unique mentoring program, which fills the gaps between professional training and long-term life goals.

Over the last year, 10 athletes have completed the program including local Olympic debutants, marathon runner Jess Trengrove and track sprint cyclist, Pat Constable.

Constable, who recently graduated from the course, said that he learned benefit him for the rest of his life, purely because he is addressing life goals at an early stage of his sporting career and because of that sees everything differently.

Constable explained “this course has broadened my focus. I have identified long- term life goals and worked through strategies to complement my vigorous training schedule.

“I want another shot at the Olympics and I’m ready to improve across the board both personally and professionally to give myself the best opportunity to succeed. Next Level Elite is a fantastic program run by an awesome team, it's allowed me to discover there’s so much more to being an elite athlete then just competing.”

“The other thing I loved about the course was the innovative sessions and speakers you have access to. The session with Stuart O’Grady resonated with me on a personal level as a track cyclist, the bank of experiences and knowledge Stuey holds is mind blowing. I couldn’t believe how approachable Stuart was with any questions I had.”.

Stuart O’Grady presents the ‘Preparing for Competition’ session which is always powerful and leaves a mark on these inspiring athletes said course mentor, Stewart McCully.

McCully added “athletes come to that session prepared with specific questions seeking the Gold Medalists’ advice.

“Pat was no different – asking about maintaining motivation between competitions and setting goals.

“Pat was humbled by the offer from the cycling legend to “call any time” a testament to O’Grady’s willingness to share his wealth of valuable experience to those who want to grow as athletes and people.”

Phil Hoffmann Travel Chief Executive Peter Williams is encouraged how Next Level Elite createsg a group learning environment where these terrific athletes are encouraged to do even better, across all aspects of their life.

He commented “we are thrilled to be helping the future sporting legends from SA in harnessing every opportunity from their sport and to be the role models for our future young South Australians. It’s a terrific course, an innovative idea and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Next Level Elite was developed by McCully, aformer a Glenelg League Footballer, who identified a gap in the market, realising that training for elite athletes was far from well rounded.

The mentoring program was developed to complement their professional athletic career.

As McCully explains “no matter what your code, generally speaking athletes are so focused on their sport and performance, that they don’t think about their long term goals and capitalising on their growing fame, other talents or passions to set them up beyond their professional athletic career.

“(Next Level Elite) is a custom made course directly targeted at elite athletes, teaching them everything from how to handle the media, managing a budget, self promotion, public speaking, long term planning and leadership.”

Designed and run by McCully this tailor made athlete mentoring program also aims to facilitate the transfer of knowledge between professional athletes for shared group learning by fostering a collaborative culture between athletes in different sports.

The eight week program presents 11 topics over 8 two hour sessions. Athletes are also supported by one on one mentoring sessions throughout the program. Each student graduates in front of peers, past students, media, agents and past professional athletes who have performed at the top of their game.

There are also further corporate sponsorship opportunities in non competing categories for businesses to gain grass roots access to South Australia's elite athletes, that can either part fund or fully fund several athlete’s participation in the program.

Each session runs for 1.5 to 2 hours. Facilitated and supported by McCully, guests lecturers are made up of past Olympians, sporting media, career advisors, promotional experts and financial planners, including:

• Andrew Capel - Sports Journalists, The Advertiser
• Lisa McAskill - Media presenter, Lisa McAskill Presenting
• Stuart O’Grady - Olympic Cyclist
• Shannon Corcoran - Adviser, Gem Capital 
• Rick Mason - Principal Consultant, Goal Quest 
• Gabrielle Leonello - Publicist, littlelion PR

For more information go to www.nextlevelelite.com.au 

Image: Young athletes on the Next Level Elite program.

22nd January 2016 - AIS AND BLUESCOPE LINK FEMALE ATHLETES WITH EMERGING BUSINESS LEADERS