Wolves players prepare for life after rugby

WARRINGTON Wolves players are signing up for special education programmes which will help their future careers after life on the rugby pitch.
Warrington Collegiate has been working alongside Player Welfare staff at Warrington Wolves to design and develop higher level education programmes to support the future career aspirations of the players.
A total of six First Team players have now signed up to the newly designed Higher National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Sciences, due to start at the Centre for Higher Education, Warrington Collegiate.
Leading the pack by signing up first were Matty Blythe and Garreth Carvell, closely followed by Ryan Atkins, Simon Grix, Rhys Williams and Richie Myler.
Karl Fitzpatrick, Player Welfare Manager for Warrington Wolves is enthusiastic about this opportunity for the players saying, “The programme has been designed really well to meet the needs and interests of our players who wish to develop their higher level skills and the knowledge required by the industry to support their future careers. The players are extremely excited at the opportunity.”
Mark Harris, Director for Higher Education at Warrington Collegiate adds, “The programme provides players with a sound understanding of sport science, through the disciplines of physiology, anatomy and sports injuries, preparing them to enter a range of career opportunities in the future, from fitness training, sport injury rehabilitation to teaching physical education. Karl and players have provided a valuable insight in to the needs of players. The programme is open to everyone and I am sure our students will get inspired studying alongside their local heroes”.
Warrington Head Coach, Tony Smith is keen to support the players, saying, “It’s really good that they are signing up to do this. It shows that they are looking to make themselves good people as well as improving as players. We believe that this is important in terms of taking care of their futures and the club encourages this healthy interest in areas outside of playing the sport.”
Garreth Carvell is looking forward to the challenge of studying for a higher level qualification.
He said: “It’s great to further your education with fantastic facilities and resources. The courses offered really give you an opportunity to fulfil goals and help towards a chosen career. Even if you’re not sure what you’d like to do when starting the courses, there are plenty of options to adapt and change course direction to suit your needs.”
Paul Hafren, Principal of Warrington Collegiate welcomed the newest signings saying, “I’m sure the players will bring a lot of knowledge and expertise to the course as well as gaining a first class qualification that will help them build their careers after they finish playing for Warrington Wolves.”
A limited number of places are still available for the HND Sport & Exercise programme, as well as other Higher Nationals across subject areas including Engineering, Construction, Business, Health and Social Care, Public Services with Criminology, Computing and Performing Arts.
Picture from L-R Mark Harris, Matty Blythe, Garreth Carvell, Karl Fitzpatrick