Whilst the level of support the Sydney Roosters Academy players receive to assist them in achieving their on-field goals is well publicised, we often overlook the efforts that the Club is making away from the game to ensure our players are maintaining a balanced lifestyle with a view to securing their off-field prosperity.
The Sydney Roosters Welfare and Education Team, led by Sheridan Hawkins and Will Hopoate, work one on one with all of our Academy players to ensure that various aspects of their wellbeing are wholly supported by the Club including assisting them with educational opportunities, enrolling them in courses, helping them secure employment, and offering a listening ear for off-field challenges.
Hopoate said that being able to assist both new and existing players to grow beyond rugby league and establish their ‘Second Plan A’ has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
“Whether it has been building a rapport with the current Academy players through being present and involved in the pathways systems or assisting new players to relocate with things like Medicare, bank accounts, Tax File Numbers and all other elements of life to be settled in a new environment – I hope I’ve been able to have an influence in their lives and careers.” he said.
Our players are supported in four key areas, which form a wholistic approach to life and career development. Education, employment, mental health support and career development are the cornerstones of the welfare charter at the Sydney Roosters.
Players that are not full time in the NRL system are required to be engaged in some level of study or work and the Club assists them in finding arrangements that are both conducive to career development and able to fit in around their training commitments.
Many of our players are engaged in study, whether that be still at high school or tertiary education. One such success story is that of young half Reece Foley who was able to gain a place in the Elite Athlete Program at the University of NSW, allowing him the flexibility to put as much effort in to his studies as his on-field pursuits.
On the employment front, the Club was able to secure employment opportunities for several players in fields such as warehousing, furniture removal, events, security, disability support, and school liaison roles. Some players even pursued apprenticeships in various trades.
These jobs not only provided income but also taught valuable life skills like work ethic, punctuality, and independence, which translated into greater confidence on the field.
The Club’s partnership with Telus Health and Veretis Sports has proven invaluable in referring players who were experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or personal loss. The professionals at Telus Health and Veretis Sports respond swiftly and effectively, providing much-needed external support.
Feedback from players who engaged in these services has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the importance of mental health care in Sydney Roosters programs.
Players are continually working on their ‘Second Plan A’ tp prepare themselves as best they can for life after football, whenever that may come about. The Club assists them to identify their strengths, interests, and potential career paths, guiding them through the early stages of self-discovery.
While many are still refining their future plans, they now have a clearer vision of the careers they might pursue after rugby league, thanks to the use of career and wellbeing tools.
In 2025, the Club will launch a life skills program within the Academy called ‘The Coop’, which will focus on developing core life skills and professional competencies, helping players build confidence, make more informed decisions, and more strongly supported on their unique on and off field journeys.
