Golfing4Life initiative teaches future stars what it takes to get to the top

Junior Ryder Cup player, Conor Gough and nine additional Golfing4Life (G4L) players, were given a masterclass in sports business at a unique two-day charity event.

The group, which included elite amateurs Tom Plumb, Calum Fyfe and Charlie Strickland, were taught the importance of personal branding and how to handle the business side of professional sport when they met with former England International rugby union player Leon Lloyd, (CEO of Switch the Play) and former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley.

During the masterclass, the young golfers were given tips on how to handle the spotlight and attract the right attention when they reach professional status.

After meeting the golfers, Leon commented: “It is encouraging to see an organisation like G4L working hard to support young athletes throughout their careers. Hopefully hearing from people like myself and Alan Curbishley will really benefit the youngsters.

“This type of personal development education should be made available to all young, aspiring athletes to enable them to learn valuable skills from those who have gone before them.”

Former Premier League manager Curbishley spoke in detail about the importance of dedication at the top level of sport and the amount of commitment needed to succeed.

The event was made possible by a collaboration between G4L sponsors Under the Posts, The European Tour Foundation and hosts Centtrip, specialists in financial technology.

In addition to the masterclass, G4L arranged a visit to the University College London Hospital Teenage Cancer Trust unit, where the golfers met many teenagers currently undergoing treatment for cancer – enabling them to gain some important life education and perspective.

The following day the group visited the famous Matchroom Boxing gym, where they saw some of the UK’s most talented boxers in action. Tony Sims, renowned Matchroom Boxing coach, explained to the players the importance of fitness, along with complete dedication and commitment.

The G4L initiative prides itself on providing support at the right time, whether that be life adversity, a loss of form or deselection. The structure at G4L provides a talent pathway which includes educational support and vocational opportunity.

Commenting on the event, G4L co- founder, James Byers, said: “Leon and Alan are completely respected within their chosen spheres and offered a real insight into professional sport. The hospital visit introduced players to our philanthropic core and the magnificent work undertaken at the Teenage Cancer Trust.

“Some of our players have unfortunate financial constraints or have fought personal illness. Others have had to experience the loss of a parent or a separation in the family. We provide support mechanisms such as Switch the Play’s education masterclasses, while our affiliation with the Teenage Cancer Trust provides a real illustration of the toughest of adversity.

“Many of the players who have suffered disappointment, either in sport or their personal lives, have managed to regain their form, win national tournaments and enjoy reselection by their countries following the support structure at G4L.”

In addition to G4L, The Teenage Cancer Trust and Switch the Play are central to G4L’s holistic approach and the development of some of the finest young talents in golf today. G4L’s co-founders Bill Curbishley and James Byers are very grateful for the ongoing support from all their partners and event sponsors.

If you are an organisation or an individual that would like to know more about Switch the Play’s Masterclass programme go to www.switchtheplay.com

For more information about G4L go to www.golfing4life.com

For more information about the Teenage Cancer Trust go to www.teenagecancertrust.org