The Xerox Learning Hub is a long-term development programme for junior players within the Lions Rugby Union. It supports both their current performance demands and their future personal and professional goals and provides players with the essential skills needed to forge a career beyond the game. It is a powerful partnership and a reaffirmation of Xerox’s commitment to the Xerox Lions programme and to sports development in the country.
The aim is to have SETA-accredited qualifications and to ensure individuals on the course have the opportunity to work with mentors on specific topics. Education, career and personal guidance are given a high priority in these programmes and lifestyle management is an important element.
Emphasis is placed on subjects like soft skills and life skills, as well as leadership, presentations skills, how to manage time and stress, resolving conflict and building media relations. The Learning Hub also teaches computer literacy, entrepreneurial and business skills, maths literacy and basic economics and business administration skills. It is essential that the skills taught in this course assist the players in the business world.
The learners come together at set times during the week for lessons and lesson preparation, but otherwise they are on the field. The training takes place at the Emirates Lions Stadium in a fully-equipped classroom. The players’ personal programmes for studies, training and playing are worked out months ahead.
Part of this is to ensure that each player develops the life and business skills that will enable a successful transition from being a full-time sport player to a career in the wider commercial world. It is anticipated that the improved confidence levels obtained from the classroom by these players will fast track many of them for South African stardom.