The NSDC is a non-profit organisation that provides services ranging from competency-based technical-vocational skills training to career and life skills.

The NSDCs newest programme is geared at training upcoming and emerging athletes in secondary skills which will assist them in life once they retire from sports.

Dane Jules, NSDC PRO, explains that this initiative is well-timed in this day and age.

“We are targeting any athlete, whether it be sports such as cricket, football, you're running. We find this is very important, especially at this point in time, because of course keeping in mind the caress span of an athlete. It could be anywhere from 10 to 15 years,” he explains.

Jules adds that circumstances may bench athletes or remove them from the sporting arena altogether. In such an occurrence, he notes, athletes need alternative income generating avenues.

“Not only this, there's also a concern about what happens if an athlete gets injured or what happens to them after retirement. So we're trying to ensure with this program, they're able to transition after they're no longer able to function as an athlete.”

Athletes must be between the ages of 16 and 35 to qualify for the free training courses.

Interested persons are asked to contact 728 9035 or 458 1677 for more information.