PCA PRESS RELEASE
Media work just one of England international’s future options.
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England and Warwickshire fast bowler Olly Stone has discussed ‘striking while the iron is hot’ as he looks to explore career options outside of playing professional cricket.
Stone, 26, last featured for England in 2019 and, although he still hopes to make an international return, has nevertheless been keen to keep one eye on the future. He does admit, however, that this has not always been the case.
“I’ve always said over the last few years that I’d do something to prepare for life after cricket but I haven’t really gotten around to it. I’ve had a few injuries now so you’re never quite sure when your last game might be.
“Even if it means going for a few coffees or sending out a few emails and just trying to put yourself out of your comfort zone, there’s a few avenues that I want to go down and explore.”
In a further attempt to expand his horizons, Stone recently attended the 2019 PCA Futures Conference at St George’s Park. The two-day event is the centrepiece of the PCA Futures Week, and is designed to help members explore options towards a second career and smooth their transition out of the professional game.
“I’m hoping that if I look into something elsewhere, it takes the focus off just cricket and sometimes when you have another focus your cricket can benefit.
“It’s important to make the most of the opportunity that you have got. People sometimes look back and regret not doing something a little earlier, so while I have this opportunity to do something else and try different opportunities it would be a waste not to do so.
“I’ve got a few ideas – I’ve done some work on the radio and I quite like my cars so it could be nice to get into something a bit left field.
“From growing up in Norwich I got to know one of the presenters of the cricket show there, so I’ve been doing little bits of that. Maybe I’ll go into some local football commentary and who knows maybe one day cover Norwich City F.C.
“It’s something I’m trying to explore now during the winter and while the football season is on.”
Find out more about the PCA’s Personal Development and Welfare Programme.
