A program designed to help some of Dubbo's most promising athletes prioritise their many responsibilities and continue to achieve academically has been developed at St John's College.
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There is 31 students involved in the Student Athlete Program (SAP) and they are receiving support as they balance school with various state or national competitions, while also planning for a future which may or may not involve sport at the very highest level.
Planning for the SAP started at the beginning of the year and while the disruption caused by COVID-19 delayed its launch, it has now been running since term 3.
Madie Easman and Andy Haycock are the teachers leading the way, while the school's Pastoral Care Coordinator Jen Furney is also heavily involved.
The program is helping further recognise the achievements of the students, whether they be in school events or through regular weekend sport.
"I love being involved in the program," Easman said.
"It gives me another outlet to develop relationships. Knowing what event they are at and what they're doing on their weekends allows us to have a conversation at school and the kids love sharing their achievements."
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It allows Easman and Haycock to be fully aware of what the students' workloads are and from there they can work on the best way to manage school work, which always remains the main focus, while ensuring the wellbeing of all involved.
"It's early days with the program, but yes, very successful," Haycock said.
"We're helping students with managing their work-sport balance, assisting with pastoral care, and developing a formal platform to recognise student achievements."
The students involved were initially part of one 45-minute session a week with Easman and Haycock.
At the first session it was stressed the importance of knowing and understanding that sport might not always be a life-long career.
Some athletes only compete professionally for a few short years, or less, meaning there has to be something else for them in life.
"Often athletes talk about having a Plan B in life in case our dreams don't come true," Easman said.
"We instilled in these students the importance of Plan A, which is school and a career. Plan B is sport."
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
