Players looking to the future with the help of Kaplan

Kaplan Business School and Kaplan Professional have awarded nine current and transitioning players scholarships to further their education.

Those awarded scholarships all understand the value of looking to the future and the importance of broadening their knowledge and skills while on contract. This view is reinforced by studies that show that focusing on something away from cricket has a direct impact of wellbeing and improved performance on the cricket field.

In July, the ACA and leading education provider Kaplan joined forces to provide current and transitioning players scholarships to study at Kaplan Business School or Kaplan Professional. The partnership also extends to athlete support scholarships where course fees will be discounted.

South Australia and Melbourne Stars bowler Daniel Worrall is one of the Kaplan scholarship recipients, and is undertaking a Master of Applied Finance with Kaplan Professional. He spoke about the importance of players upskilling themselves while on contract.

“As professional cricketers, it is critical that we continue to plan for our future. Studying and learning is a reliable way to continue to grow as a person throughout our careers. The Kaplan Scholarship I have been awarded for the Master of Applied Finance is a great opportunity to develop in-depth technical knowledge while still playing.”

Commencing a Victoria Agent Representative Program in real estate with Kaplan Professional, Victoria and Melbourne Renegades’ Anna Lanning said the ACA’s partnership with Kaplan has allowed her to pursue her passion away from the field.

“I have always been interested in property and the opportunity the ACA and Kaplan has given me to study something that I am passionate about is amazing. I am looking forward to completing my studies which will help me to start a career post cricket. I am very fortunate to be able to undertake this course with the help of the ACA and Kaplan.”

Kaplan Business School is a globally recognised provider of higher education degrees in Australia and offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, accounting, marketing, management, tourism, entrepreneurship, health services, digital management, analytics, project management and leadership. Kaplan Professional is Australia’s leading provider of financial planning, real estate, mortgage broking, insurance and leadership education, delivering flexible and supportive online qualifications in both vocational and higher education.

“We believe formal education can assist cricketers to broaden their horizons and provide a meaningful and positive endeavour to focus their time and energy away from the game, while planning ahead for the next stage of their career,” Rob Regan, Managing Director at Kaplan Australia said.

“Kaplan has been working with other sporting organisations for a number of years now. We are committed to supporting professional athletes to achieve their education goals, so we are excited to develop a long-lasting and successful relationship with the Australian Cricketers’ Association.”

ACA General Manager – Player Development and Wellbeing, Justine Whipper, said the partnership will provide its members with significant benefits that will extend well beyond their playing careers.

"The Kaplan partnership offers significant value to ACA members by providing a range of industry recognised and accessible vocational and tertiary qualifications (certificate to masters degree) on fully-funded scholarships or on greatly reduced fees."