One interested observer amongst the hundreds of Apprentice and Professional players attending Progression 2009 – The Northern Careers Event last week was PFA Chairman Chris Powell.
Now in his 23rd year in the game as a player, the Leicester City man is keen to see the Foxes regain their Championship status before he considers his own options for next season.
Nearing the end of hugely successful career, the popular full back believes that he still has plenty to offer as a player but is also conscious that old father time is no longer on his side.
With that in mind, and visiting Progression 09 as an LFE Ambassador within his remit as The PFA Chairman, Powell was clearly impressed by the multitude of options and possibilities that Progression opens the door to for players and sportsmen and women to explore.
“I know first-hand how important it is to have alternative and secondary career options. The opportunities these events provide are valuable to players at any stage of their career as they attract some of the UK’s leading employers and education and training institutions.”
“The interaction between players and these different organisations might be the key to a new career once your playing days are over.”
With many players now facing an anxious few weeks as decisions are made on their futures by their Clubs, Powell, also mindful of the problems that will face hundreds Senior and Apprentice Players this summer, was keen to stress that the underlying principle of Progression is something that should be embraced by all players:
“Every summer hundreds of senior Professionals and Apprentices are released by Football Clubs and numbers dictate that not everyone will get another opportunity at a Professional level which is why I would urge all Professionals to visit LFE’s Progression Careers Events.”
“The events are catered to suit a wide range of needs and combined with the support The PFA can offer to members they might just provide the trigger or stepping stone for you to make your next move – you can’t always rely on football!”
