Support Athletes in Transition from Elite Sport

Leon Lloyd, former Leicester Tigers & England International, and Chris Brindley, former MD of Metro Bank, are announced as directors of Switch The Play; a social enterprise with a mission to help people fulfil their potential through and beyond sport. 

Launching their new website this week, Switch The Play work across all sports with organisations, practitioners, and athletes to put in place plans to help prepare for and manage effective transition.

The transition agenda is currently in the spotlight, as the government-lead

James Taylor in hospital

review of duty of care in sport is underway. Recent sporting news reinforces the vital need for effective support. Kevin Sinfield’s retirement from Rugby League, planned to ensure a smooth shift from sport into business, exemplifies successful preparation for life after sport. Contrastingly the recent news of the early retirement of cricketer James Taylor and rugby star Harry Robinson, demonstrate the fragility and uncertainty of elite sporting careers.

Leon Lloyd says; “Having experienced first hand the terrifying process of transitioning out of elite sport, I am committed to ensuring support structures are available for athletes. I am excited to be part of Switch The Play, to help amplify this agenda at the volume required to make a life changing difference.”

Chris Brindley, founder of Winners In Life, says; “Elite sports people have innate drive, teamwork and dedication; ideal attributes for business success. Without effective support and development, these skills could be wasted. I look forward to using my experience, to help transfer the potential from elite sport into businesses and vocations across the UK.”

Rob Young, one of the founding Directors of Switch The Play, says; “It is fantastic that we have the backing of such a dynamic pair, bringing sporting and business knowledge, experience and excellence to such an important cause.”

Leon will speak about his experience of transition, at Elevate Arena, the UK’s first cross-sector focussed on tackling physical inactivity, at Olympia on Thursday 6th May. Book a place at this FREE event, or find out more at www.switchtheplay.com. the importance of the Athlete/Player welfare and lifestyle profession with many of the UK pioneers.