PCA PRESS RELEASE
Fabian Cowdrey on his experience of leaving the professional game to set up CowCorner Sport.
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Former Kent man Fabian Cowdrey has spoken to the PCA about his experience of leaving professional cricket and subsequently going on to set up his very own business: CowCorner Sport.
The right-handed batsman displayed his huge potential during over 70 professional appearances for the Canterbury-based side, but called time on his playing career just before the beginning of the 2017 season in order to pursue other opportunities.
The 27-year-old has shown his flair for entrepreneurship in setting up CowCorner Sport, a hospitality company which brings together clients with famous sports people and is set to launch on Thursday 1 October.
In this interview, Cowdrey discusses his emotions when leaving the game that he has loved since childhood, the special place that the PCA holds in his heart and the challenges his new business has faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic…
- Q: Briefly summarise your journey since playing your last game for Kent in 2016.
- A: Wow, it’s been a rollercoaster. I have felt every emotion and grown significantly following my detachment from my first love, cricket. I have learned to love the game from afar in the commentary box, whilst using the power of sport to educate, engage and entertain in setting up my new business, CowCorner Sport.
- Q: Where did the idea for CowCorner Sport come from?
- A: We’d been running exclusive events in London with legends of sport for nearly three years and then lockdown happened! During lockdown we began to support charities close to our heart featuring some inspiring and iconic sports people. We tripled our network and were blown away with the response.
- Q: What exactly does the company do?
- A: Our business motto is ENTERTAIN | ENGAGE | EDUCATE. We use the power of sport to inspire, support and bring joy to our clients. We specialise in exclusivity and also support companies as they engage their workforces and clients in showing them vital transferable skills.
- Q: What are your plans for the launch?
- A: We officially kick things off on Thursday 1 October. Our first speaker is none other than Michael Holding. We are truly honoured to offer this to our members. We want to offer a ‘pandemic proof’ and affordable alternative to live events and create a unique community of sports fans.
- Q: How can PCA members and sports fans alike access CowCorner’s services from the launch onwards?
- A: It would be an honour to see PCA Members amongst our membership. The PCA holds a close place in my heart following their support of me during my retirement. We’d like to offer a discount to all PCA Members and their connections. Please visit this link and use the code FABIANANNUAL or FABIANMONTHLY to secure a special discount.
- Q: What skills would you say you’ve taken from professional cricket into setting up your own company?
- A: Learning how to handle failure as a young pro is the hardest battle. Lots of us leave school and club cricket as the shining light, but entering professional sport is incredibly challenging. Dealing with pressure, creating team ethos and building resilience are passions of mine. I thank cricket for those lessons.
- Q: Have you done any formal qualifications along the way?
- A: I haven’t undergone any formal qualifications, but I have never learned so much. Being a young entrepreneur & delving into work life requires attention, reading and an inner belief. I am a student of business and I refuse to stop learning, listening to podcasts and asking for help when required.
- Q: What are your ambitions for the future – both from a personal and a CowCorner perspective?
- A: We want to have the leading digital sporting community in the world, whilst continuing to support companies in their quest to improve performance and mental strength. The power of sport is clear for us all to see, and I’m truly honoured to be able to work in the industry and meet inspirational people every day (even if it’s via ZOOM!).
