Progression '08 - Elite Athletes Recruitment Event launches in Manchester

Spring 2008 sees the first careers event solely for elite athletes take place in Manchester.

Progression í08 will be held at the City of Manchester Stadium on March 27th as part of a strategy to support, re-train and provide alternative career and study opportunities to sporting apprentices and those retiring from sport.

Hosted by League Football Education in association with the PFA (Professional Footballerís Association) and The Football League, the aim of the day is to bring together professional athletes from all types of sports and at all levels of their sporting careers with recruiters from a wide range of industries and training organisations.

The day will be attended by over 30 exhibitors including representatives from the IT, armed forces, health, construction, engineering, financial services and retail industries, as well as universities, further education colleges and business advisors.

It will also provide information to those athletes who want to access help and support to run their own businesses.

LFE Chief Executive, Alan Sykes, says: ìThe sporting world produces hundreds of exceptionally disciplined, dedicated and talented young people each year who do not continue to compete as professional athletes but who have a huge amount of valuable skills to offer in sport and in other industries.

ìOur aim is to ensure these athletes find other ways to use their talents and abilities by introducing them to new training and career paths.

ìWe want to prepare athletes for careers outside or alongside sport to make sure they never lose the skills theyíve worked hard to achieve. Whether theyíre starting out as apprentices or are heading for retirement; choosing to stay in sport or take a completely different direction, we want to make sure they have a viable ongoing path to work.î

The event is be endorsed by sports and working bodies, including the GFTU (General Federation of Trade Unions) and Educational Sports Forum, and supported by sports stars from the past and present, with panel discussions and one to one advice.

Chris Powell, Chairman of the PFA and former England defender, said: ìAs a Professional footballer and through my involvement with The PFA, I know firsthand how important it is to have alternative career options. The employment and training opportunities that Progression í08 offers are an important resource for athletes at any stage in their career and Iím pleased to endorse such an important initiative.î

www.lfe.org.uk
www.progression08.com