Several of Panthers' Pathway players involved in the club's Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale teams graduated school last month, which saw the end of their formal education and the start of a new chapter.
Preparing for these types of transitions - whether it be into higher education, vocational study or getting into the workforce has been the responsibility of the club's Wellbeing and Education department, led by Kevin Kingston.
This can be a difficult time for young people in deciding what’s next for them so the objective is to create individuals who are:
- Balanced in life
- Proud of the game
- Dedicated to professional development and life-long learning
- Self aware and self confident
- Wise and ethical decision maker
External providers are available to players to access like Torrens University who are The Panthers official education partner.
“We’re delighted to have Torrens University as part of the Panthers family,” Panthers Wellbeing and Education Manager Kevin Kingston said.
“Their flexible course structures and support services make higher education accessible for all players at Panthers, from our junior representative teams to our NRL squad.
Panthers Harold Matthews coach Kyle Churchill, who also is a teacher at St Dominic’s College in Penrith, has seen the benefit of the club supporting players career and education aspirations and also that the club values the importance on making good players on and off the field.
“Panthers have always endeavored to create an environment that fosters the well-being and education of their players through programs, work placements and support networks. Everyone is aware of the stats of how many do and don’t make a career in rugby league, those who are best equipped to tackle life outside of rugby league ultimately become the more successful people. What often gets neglected is the fact that you don’t need to be achieving 90+ ATARS or distinction averages in your studies or jobs, you need to adhere to deadlines, learn something that feels useless, wear a uniform, be respectful to peers and colleagues…all life skills that will help anyone succeed”.
Panthers Harold Matthews Coach Kyle Churchill Q&A
As Harold Matthews coach and a teacher at St Dom's how has it been seeing some of the players you coach progress through school?
Very proud. As a coach and dealing with the players in our pathways system, you get to work with young blokes who are dedicated to their footy craft and intent on moving forward in the game. Additionally as a teacher, it allows you to build relationships with the same guys based on things away from rugby league. Seeing them succeed in a range of aspects of school life and prepare to leave as young men is as rewarding as any success you can have in the game.
How important is it for players to prepare now for another career outside of their goal to play in the NRL?
Everyone is aware of the stats of how many do and don’t make a career in rugby league, those who are best equipped to tackle life outside of rugby league ultimately become the more successful people. What often gets neglected is the fact that you don’t need to be achieving 90+ ATARS or distinction averages in your studies or jobs, you need to adhere to deadlines, learn something that feels useless, wear a uniform, be respectful to peers and colleagues…all life skills that will help anyone succeed.
How is the Panthers helping players with their Wellbeing and Education goals?
Panthers have always endeavoured to create an environment that fosters the well-being and education of their players through programs, work placements and support networks. The hub has probably been one of the more notable successes over the last few years. A relaxed environment where players connect from a social well-being point of view and a safe place where they feel comfortable to complete school/work related tasks or have a chat with one of the staff about some issues they may be experiencing.
