Dual career approach encouraging more players to thrive and succeed

Increasing numbers of rugby league players are engaging with the Rugby League Cares Dual Career Support Programme, which is providing a significant investment toward their future success.

The programme encourages players to combine their sporting careers with periods of study to gain the academic or vocational qualifications they need to thrive throughout their working lives.

Planning a dual career as an elite athlete involves balancing performance goals with long-term education or career development. 

While demanding, a dual career equips players with tools for long-term success—both on and off the field. It’s an investment in sustainability, well-being, and life beyond competition.

Huddersfield Giants winger Adam Swift is one of many players who are proactively planning for the future with the help of an education grant from RL Cares.

“Getting this grant to start studying again has honestly made a massive difference to me,” said Adam.

“It’s given me the chance to start training in a trade, which is a real stepping stone in helping me look into the future ahead to life after rugby.

“Playing for Huddersfield Giants is a journey I am enjoying, and yet have so much to prove and aim towards in terms of progress and paying back the fans for continuing to support us through the harder times.

“Also, having something else I enjoy and can think about build a future around has taken a weight off my shoulders. It means I can still support my family after rugby, and plan for the long term.

“I’m genuinely so grateful for the opportunity - it’s given me confidence and direction for the future, while still allowing me to focus on what I’m here to keep doing - moving forward with the Giants.”

The benefits to players from taking a dual career approach include:

Psychological and mental wellbeing

• Reduced performance pressure: having a second identity (e.g., student or professional) helps reduce the stress of relying entirely on sporting success;
• Improved self-esteem: progress outside of sport reinforces confidence and self-worth, especially during injury or poor performance phases;
• Life balance: mental stimulation and variety promote overall wellbeing and prevent burnout.

Educational and career development

• Future security: most playing careers are short. Education or professional skills prepare players for a post-sport career;
• Career transitions: dual careers ease the often difficult transition into life after sports by keeping options open;
• Transferable skills: time management, discipline, and resilience developed through dual careers are highly valued in the workforce.

Increased employability

• Employers value players’ teamwork and leadership skills, goal-setting and determination and adaptability under pressure
• Dual career players often outperform their peers in soft skills and problem-solving.

Social identity and personal growth

• Broader social network: interacting with diverse groups outside the sports bubble enriches personal development.
• Identity protection: prevents over-identification with the athlete role, which can lead to identity crises after retirement. 

Organisational and institutional support

Many sports organisations and universities offer:

• Flexible schedules
• Distance learning
• Academic counselling and career guidance
• Scholarships and funding for education

The RL Cares Dual Career Support Programme also brings many benefits to the clubs, all of whom are playing an active role in supporting this important initiative.

The programme benefits both the players’ long-term wellbeing and the club’s sustainability, reputation and performance culture.

By making plans for their future, players become:

• More mentally resilient and better able to cope with stress, enabling them to perform more consistently;
• More mature and focused, on and off the field;
• Better at building a culture of trust, loyalty and respect, which helps with player retention and recruitment.

In addition, players are able to forge stronger stakeholder relationships, giving them access to broader funding or partnerships.

Players who transition well into new careers can become valuable ambassadors for their club and grow into long-term brand promotion and leadership roles.

If you are a professional player and want to know more about the education and training grants available from RL Cares, or just want to know more about the RL Cares Dual Career Support Programme, please speak to your club's Player Welfare Manager.