Safeguarding the future of professional athlete: a case for alternative career and investment

Abstract

This paper centered on the need for safeguarding the future of athletes through planning for alternative career. The causes of sport career termination were identified and discussed. The plan for alternative career was also discussed, this include investment, participation in privatized and commercialized economy, Education and further education, establishment of sport development Bank and insurance policy The Role of coaches, sport psychologists and sports administrators in helping athletes safeguard their future were also highlighted. The paper concludes that all stakeholders - coaches, sports psychologists, sports administrators and Government should be concerned about post - athletic career of athletes. It was recommended that various sport federations should put in place a realistic career transition plan for their athletes by employing the services of sport/managers, psychologists and provision of consultancy services during and after career termination