Read Dal Santo's article below, which first appeared in The Age on Wednesday 18th August;
My journey to university began with Tom Cruise.
I remember watching him in Jerry Maguire - where he plays a sports agent - as a teenager and thinking that it looked like a pretty good job. I obviously always was into sport and it seemed like it was a great way to stay involved even when you had finished your career on the field.
So now I’m completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration through Open Universities Australia. I’m open-minded about whether it will definitely lead to a career as Player Agent. But the point is that it gives you options when you leave the game.
Studying is something that an increasing number of players are doing. The most recent stats from the AFL Player’s Association shows more and more footballers appreciated the benefits that study can bring.
The AFLPA supports these players through the provision of Education and Training Grants. These grants assist players in pursuing a University course or other form of higher education.
So far this year 319 players have put in applications. This is an increase of more than 10 per cent from the same time last year. Then, 288 players were completing some kind of further education.
It’s not just about looking toward a career outside of footy. Studying can broaden some basic skills that help you on the field as well. The obvious one is discipline. You really have to be organised and focussed on managing your own time if you are going to be able to juggle the competing demands of footy and further education.
I’m not alone in thinking this. A recent survey of elite athletes revealed that almost three-quarters of them thought that their on-field performance had been improved because they had studied or worked during their sporting careers.
And a massive 90 per cent said they had longer careers because of these off field activities.
Everyone is different but I think you are always going to do better if you have a range of experiences. Footy can be a bit of a fish bowl existence and I know for me studying has really balanced out some of those pressures.
I won’t pretend is easy to juggle study with the increasingly heavy demands of playing AFL at the highest level. The fact that most players’ training schedules are different every week makes it difficult to plan for studying. But once you have been into it for a while, it becomes easier.
But that’s just life, isn’t it. You have to be able to fit everything in. If you really want something and want to achieve it then you make it work.
Luckily St Kilda has been really good in terms of understanding that personal and professional development is a important part of a player’s journey through footy. The coaching and support staff are very encouraging with off-field opportunities and education.
I know with exams they are very flexible and have in the past changed training times to fit in with Uni.
The fact that Open Universities gives you the flexibility to do as many - or as few - subjects as you can has also been really helpful. You can defer at any time, and pick it up again when it suits.
I’ve just become an Ambassador for Open Universities. Part of the role is to spread the word among the players about the benefits of study and how you can make it work for you.
At the same time I’m also doing a bit of work experience in an office for a labour supply company. Yes, I’m 27 and have just stepped into my first office job!
My office co-workers have been very welcoming. I’m getting a kick out of dressing up in a suit every day, reading a lot, sitting on in meetings and doing projects.
I didn’t join the office footy tipping comp though. I’ve probably got a bit of an unfair advantage and wouldn’t want to get my workmates off side…
Nick Dal Santo is a member of the AFL Players’ Association and is an Ambassador for Open Universities Australia.
