Crystal Palace’s Academy scholars have taken part in an interactive workshop focused on the realities of building a lasting career in professional football, both on and off the pitch.
The session was led by Dr Chris Platt and chartered accountant Hayley Lucas of Athena Accountants. It encouraged the young players to look beyond the opportunity of securing their first contract and consider what is required to remain at the highest level over the long term.
A demonstration involving 300 jelly babies was used to show how difficult it can be to reach and stay at the top of the professional game. The exercise challenged the scholars to think about the sustained effort needed throughout a football career.
The workshop also addressed personal finance, with discussions around spending, saving and investing. The players considered how financial choices made during their late teenage years could influence their future.
The Academy’s finance workshop is available to watch via Palace TV+, with a selection of photographs from the session also available.
