Player: Alan Richardson
County: Middlesex

What made you decide to use the Performance Lifestyle service?

Although I have gained some work experience ranging from coaching to landscape gardening over the past 10 years, last season I started to think about my long-term future and what I might do once my playing days are over.

One important thing that my work experience has taught me is what I don’t want to do!

However, other than this I had little idea about what I might be interested in doing. My housemate at the time was also having similar thoughts and told me that he had contacted Heidi to see if she might be able to help him. I thought that this might be a good idea too so arranged to meet Heidi whilst I was at Lord’s.

How has PL worked for you?

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After contacting Heidi we agreed to meet at a time and date that fitted around my training and fixtures. We continued to do this on a regular basis throughout the season. After each meeting Heidi and I agreed on an action point list whereby each of us had things to go away and follow up.

As well as having regular meetings Heidi also maintained regular contact with me by telephone which certainly helped me to stay focused on the process. It also made me feel as if Heidi really understood my situation and cared about helping me to explore my options and narrow these down.

What has PL enabled you to do?

PL has certainly helped me to realise that I do have options for the future but that I really do need to start thinking about preparing for the inevitable sooner rather than later. Heidi has provided me with the confidence that I could pursue further studies in a field that interests me which, although I had liked the idea of, had thought it impossible given my line of work.

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As well as realising the possibility that future study might be a realistic option for me, using PL has helped me to learn much more about myself as a person, what I value and to identify some key areas of interest for a future career. Heidi has provided me with a wealth of information regarding the interests that I have which have ranged from courses and institutions that are willing for me to study flexibly to information on specific careers. She has also encouraged me to try out some of these careers before I make any concrete decisions with regard to the future.

Where are you now?

Typically I have spent my winters abroad. However, this winter I decided to stay in the UK and use the time to get some work experience under my belt. Sports Agency is something that I have identified as having an interest in so I thought it important that I try this out before making any definite decisions.

In addition to this with the help and advice that Heidi has given me I have been exploring the possibility of studying for a degree and will be attending an open day in a couple of weeks time to get a feel for university life and also the courses that I am interested in studying.