What a difference 6 months can make
Tom Burrows, Hants CCC
Adviser: Kate Green
Last summer Tom Burrows, Hants CCC, began to think about the future and all the uncertainties associated with being a professional cricketer - injury, de-selection, retirement etc. Although Tom had done well at A-levels, he put studying behind him when he gained his first cricketing contract. However, he wanted to have something to focus on outside of cricket, something that would keep his mind working and develop his transferable skills.
Not knowing what to do or how to do it, Tom began to explore his options with his Performance Lifestyle Adviser… 6 months later a very buoyant Tom talks about how he can’t believe how much he has achieved, how easy the process was and the fact that he can’t wait for the season to begin…
“I had always been interested in pursuing a career in law, but thought that I wouldn’t be able to commit to studying without it being detrimental to my cricket commitments. It was a surprise to find out how flexible university and vocational study can be. I applied through clearing to Southampton Solent University for a place on their part-time LLB Hons Degree course and was accepted immediately.
I had a few doubts about just how it would work alongside cricket so I contacted Phil Green (Director of Sport) to find out more about the logistics; when and where the course would take place, how many modules were mandatory per year, term/coursework/exams dates, and flexibility with missing lectures due to sporting obligations.
I was told I would be classed as a Sports Scholar within their STAND scheme which meant that the University were able to give me individually based support and be flexible, enabling me to succeed with both sporting and academic commitments. This included a mentor, admission to the Talented Athlete Support Scheme – approx £3,000 per annum on training costs, strength and conditioning, physio, travel expenses, gym membership at home in Berkshire and at the University and any equipment/kit needed. The support of the University has been amazing.
The course itself has so far been enjoyable, interesting, hard work but rewarding. I completed two out of four modules, in January - Constitutional Law and Legal System and Method. I am aiming to finish Contract Law and Legal Context by mid-May.
I have also been looking into work experience. Andrew Heathcock from Paris, Smith & Randall has helped me work out exactly what I want to do and how to achieve it. In an ideal world I would like to embark on a part-time Study Training Contract, which would run alongside cricket and studying. Ultimately, I could qualify as a solicitor by 2012 - amazingly taking only 1 year longer than a full time student!
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