The NSW Rugby League has partnered with a university and two disability services to develop a unique and flexible careers program providing Rugby League players an opportunity to work in the disability services sector during and after their sporting careers.
Many female players and NRL club-contracted players often struggle to find meaningful and flexible employment to supplement and complement their income, while pursuing their sporting dreams.
The NSWRL disAbility Careers program has been designed in partnership with Ability First Australia, Northcott Disability Services, and the University of New England (UNE).
The NSWRL has 20 fully-funded places available for the program.
A one-hour online information session on the NSWRL disAbility Career program will be held on Monday 13 March from 1pm for those interested.
The disability services sector is one of the largest and fastest-growing in Australia.
The Bureau of Statistics says there are 4.4 million people, or one in every five, living with some type of disability.
Studying and then working in this sector offers professional and semi-professional athletes the chance to make a meaningful contribution to their local communities.
The disability sector has a diverse range of rewarding career pathway post-football, including social work, allied health, or service leadership.
UNE Partnerships has designed a pre-employment skillset in collaboration with NSWRL, Northcott Disability Services and Ability First Australia to give players the foundation skills and knowledge to work in disability services.
Once players have completed the course, Northcott Disability Services will provide participants with in-house training and opportunities for ongoing employment in the disability care sector.
