1. What is the Great Britain Hockey Career Partner Scheme?
2. What's in it for the employer?
3. Who's involved?
4. What do we look for in a partner company?
5. Want to find out more?

What is the Great Britain Hockey Athlete Career Partner Scheme?

The Great Britain Hockey Athlete Career Partner Scheme was officially launched at the EuroHockey Nations Championship held in Manchester in August 2007.  Hockey is one of the first sports to identify career development as a real performance influencer and the scheme was established to help elite athletes engage in developing a career alongside their sporting commitments.

Emma Mitchell, Athlete Support Manager at the English Institute of Sport explains;

“Playing at the top level requires a huge commitment and England and Great Britain Hockey found that they were losing some of their top performers who felt that they had to choose between their international sport and their long term career opportunities.”

In response, the scheme was set up and has focused on finding employers who are keen to support British athletes and offer part-time work that can be flexible around their sporting commitments as well as offering a genuine career pathway.

“It is our belief that performance can be positively affected, and extended, if athletes are engaged in part time work and feel that they are developing a career alongside their sport,” says Mitchell.  “This scheme is here to help athletes help themselves and be up front with employers about their commitment to sport.”

Those commitments are significant with three days a week dedicated to training and up to 8-12 weeks away for international tours and competitions.  Despite this, the scheme emphasises the many benefits flexible employers can enjoy from taking on one of the country’s leading players.

What’s in it for the employer?

The majority of organisations seek employees that are committed, hard-working, are able to make decisions under pressure, work well within team environments and are driven to succeed.  It is virtually impossible to be successful as an elite athlete without having these qualities in abundance.

In addition to those already mentioned, many elite athletes are also highly motivated and enthusiastic and bring very positive energy to the work environment.  At the same time the athletes learn valuable skills from their employment experience that will support them in the international hockey environment.

Many individuals within the GB Hockey talent pool are University educated and those that are not have gained unique experience within a highly competitive environment.

The Great Britain Hockey Athlete Career Partner Scheme provides you with access to this unique talent and ensures that only the right individuals that suit your organisation’s requirements are introduced to you.

“Additionally there is the kudos of having an international sportsperson on your staff and recognition as an official GB partner,” adds Emma Mitchell.

Who’s involved?

The scheme has proved a success so far with a number of companies partnering GB Hockey or showing a keen interest in the scheme, including CMC, Reed, adidas UK, Atos Origin and the Lucozade Sports Science Academy (part of GlaxoSmithKline).

“We are keen to support sport at all levels and our work over many years with elite sport has given us an insight into the unique pressures that are faced by athletes preparing for and competing in major tournaments,” says LSSA Business Director John Brewer. 

“We also know that the characteristics and personalities frequently displayed by sportsmen and sportswomen are of great benefit in a fast moving commercial environment. It is positive to see that the long term career development of the athlete is already being considered at a time when their primary focus has to be their sporting success,” he adds.

The list of scheme partners is distinguished.

University of Kent – Mel Clewlow
Adidas – James Fair (internship completed June 2008)
BDO Stoy Hayward – Jonty Clarke
Specialist Sports Shoes – Richard Mantell
CMC Markets –  Rob Moore (Oct 2007-Dec 2008)
Harlequins Rugby Club – Helen Grant
The Kennel Club – Crista Cullen
The Leys School – Jo Ellis
Macesport PR – Jennie Bimson
Nike – Beth Storry
The Perse School – Glenn Kirkham
Reed – Chloe Rogers (Sept 2007-Oct 2008)
Repton School – Martin Jones
Youth Sport Trust – Kerry Williams
Knossington Grange School - Ali McGregor
Genesis Management Consultancy - Graham Moodie
Loughborough University – Jon Bleby
Work Directions – Rachel Walker
Guildford Hospital – Abi Walker
Harper Limited - Adam Harper

What do we look for in a partner company?

We are looking for companies who:

• Are interested in accessing an alternative talent pool
• Can offer internship, part-time and full-time work opportunities
• Would like to be part of programme that is fulfilling as well as being of benefit to their business
  

Want to find out more?

If your company is interested in finding out more about the GB Hockey Athlete Career Partner Scheme then please contact Emma Mitchell at the English Institute of Sport on 07795 665333 or email emma.mitchell@eis2win.co.uk