“The weekly workshops that are part of The Second Half programme have helped me to consider
new
pathways post career
that I wouldn’t have thought about. I have taken some valuable ideas away from each of the
workshops
that will not only
help me now, but also for life after football when that time comes. It has also been nice to
connect
with other
footballers from various clubs that I wouldn’t normally have the chance to meet.”
Kerys Harrop, Class of 2021
“I’m a retired football player of 3 years now, I already knew and prepared for my career
after
football before joining
The Second Half programme. However, I’m still very new to my current career and feel that The
Second
Half, Kaz, Liesel
and key speakers have helped reassure me that I’m on the right track. I don’t often have anyone to
bounce off, but by
listening to their experiences in their field and trying to transfer it into mine, has helped push
me
out of my comfort
zone which has ultimately help me and my career. I have still loads to work on… but a step in the
right
direction!”
Emily Westwood, Class of 2021
"I was part of The Second Half programme in 2021. The programme consisted of a series of
workshops, internship
opportunities and also the opportunity to have a mentor. The workshops as a whole are aimed at
broadening our horizons
and looking beyond life just as a footballer. Each workshop focuses on different aspects and skill
sets
that can help us
thrive post-career. For example: networking; our personal brand; delivering presentations; how to
get
the most out of
social media; transferable skills from football to any job. As footballers we might assume that we
are
expected to
become a coach or work in football media once we retire - The Second Half has helped me understand
the
breadth and scope
of opportunities and life paths that could be available to us if we begin to follow our interests.
The
Second Half
matched me with a mentor who has helped me become proactive in thinking about what sort of life I
want
to craft for
myself around football, and after football. And finally, it has been a bonus to complete the
programme
with other
likeminded players in the WSL - I really enjoyed how interactive the workshops were and also
listening
to different
people's experience and perspectives. I highly recommended this programme to any player who is
open
minded and curious
about preparing themselves for life after football."
Aoife Mannion, Class of 2021
“As soon as I heard about the new programme Visa were providing, I wanted to be a part of
it. I
am grateful for the
opportunities it has given me to know how I can take my football experience into the world of work
and
life beyond the
pitch.”
Connie Scofield, Class of 2021
“As an agent it is my role to encourage and support players both on and off the pitch. When
The
Second Half created by
Visa was presented to us for current and retired female footballers I thought it was the perfect
programme to ensure the
players continued to develop their carers away from the pitch, without detracting from their work
on
the
pitch.
The programme offers great training, networking and mentoring opportunities and continued support
for
the players. It is
a fantastic programme and our clients have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in it.”
Jo Tongue, Tongue Tied Management (Player agent)
“It's amazing what it's done because it helps us talk and think about real life things.
There's
lots that we don't think about during our playing career, and it's easy to lose track of what a
normal
job could look like. Even the simple things like writing a CV, getting on LinkedIn, preparing for
an
interview, fighting for a job. It's really helped me feel more resilient and confident.”
Yana Daniels, Class of 2023
“For those of you who are still young, still playing, I do think it is massively important
that
you start thinking about
what is next after football. Whilst you are still playing, The Second Half can guide you, give you
some ideas, to get
ready for that next step. So, if you haven’t thought about it yet, get on The Second Half
programme.”
Steph Houghton MBE, Class of 2024
