Ten Middlesex Players seeking Ten Degrees
No fewer than ten Middlesex cricketers are studying an innovative Business and Sports Management degree at the University of Hertfordshire, as the English county champions break new ground in helping their players prepare for second careers beyond cricket.
The course is being undertaken parallel to their cricket commitments, with study taking place both online and in bespoke seminars conducted after training sessions.
The players are scheduled to complete the degree within four years, significantly enhancing their long-term employment prospects.
“It’s encouraging that so many players have seized this opportunity with such enthusiasm,” said Richard Goatley, CEO of Middlesex CCC, “and we are grateful to the University of Hertfordshire, specifically Andrew Francis and Jarrod Lippiatt, for their support, flexibility and enthusiasm.”
Jarrod Lippiatt, Programme Leader for the Business and Sport Management degree, added: “We are delighted to partner with Middlesex Cricket and to welcome ten players onto this course designed for sports professionals. This a flexible degree and each Middlesex player will receive full tutor support.”
Steven Eskinazi, Middlesex Cricketer, commented: “This opportunity has come at a great time for us as athletes. We are all acutely aware of how important it is to plan for life after cricket and we are extremely fortunate to be part of a club that supports us in this regard. The degree is a mix of something that we are all passionate about, sport, combined with an extremely practical business element. The fact that ten of us are doing the degree allows us to bounce ideas off each other, just like we would do in a cricket environment. A huge thanks to both the club and the university for helping us, and I’m really looking forward to success on the field and in the classroom.”
John Simpson added: “It would be foolish to think that after cricket I’ll be able to walk straight into a top job. This degree is engaging, challenging, and most importantly flexible, as I’m able to complete the study work around my cricket commitments. I would like to thank Middlesex and the PCA for their support in helping us prepare for the transition from life as a professional cricketer to a second career post cricket.”
Tom Helm added: “We’re very fortunate to have this opportunity. All the guys know it’s never too early to start thinking about life after cricket. I’d like to thank the club for making this happen and for all the support they’re giving to us as cricketers.”
The aspiring graduates were photographed recently at Middlesex’s pre-season Press Day at Lord’s: (left to right) John Simpson, Nick Gubbins, Toby Roland-Jones, Stephen Eskinazi, James Fuller, Ryan Higgins, Harry Podmore, Paul Stirling, James Harris and Tom Helm.
