No dream too big for Jalen
From NSW trainee to a National Project Manager at Football Federation Australia, go-getter Jalen Timms forged a successful career in sport thanks to his AFL SportsReady traineeship.
“I owe a lot to the AFL SportsReady NSW team,” said Jalen.
“Their efforts, led me to both my fundamental development in my professional career and also in my personal life,” he added.
Jalen started his very first traineeship at 19 years old with North Ryde Golf Club where he studied a Certificate III in Business. Having enjoyed the traineeship experience so much, he completed another two, a Certificate IV in Business at manly Warringah Sea Eagles and a Diploma of Business Management and Sports Leadership with AFL NSW/ACT.
“I really loved all three of my host employers because they were all unique with their own diverse leadership styles.”
“It was a terrific experience to learn and develop under different operators. I felt it was a huge benefit to me.”
Being a footy fan, it was no doubt that Jalen’s highlight was working at the AFL.
“At AFL NSW/ACT we had a high performing team that significantly contributed to growing the game across all levels of the business, it was pretty special to be apart of this.”
The connections Jalen made through his traineeships were also integral to his journey.
“The people that I have worked with and the strong relationships and bonds I have formed in my traineeships will now remain with me for a lifetime.”
“I still maintain close relationships with many of the people I worked with throughout my traineeship.”
After completing his third traineeship, Jalen worked for PCYC NSW for a year as a Multicultural Youth Worker before taking on his current role. Jalen is now employed as National Programs Manager for Community Integration at Football Federation Australia where he looks after the grassroots junior football portfolios across Australia.
“As part of my role I drive the national strategy for ALDI MiniRoos Junior Football. I help to grow the brand profile of community football and female participation across Australia with a focus on multicultural participation. I also engage with state and federal governments on key projects and work with professional leagues and clubs.”
Despite his career success, Jalen was faced with many challenges however he turned his hardships into his motivations.
“My failures didn’t deter me from achieving my goals and objections. I used them as a factor to drive my ambitions even further.”
Jalen is a firm believer that nothing comes easy and in order to make your way to the top it takes a lot of hard work and the occasional hiccup.
“There is no doubt my traineeship is the reason why I am here today. It gave me the head start I needed to enter the sporting industry. It gave me the chance to build a solid network of friends, connections and skills. ”
When asked if he had any wisdom for young school leavers who were considering a traineeship, Jalen advised that, “most importantly, in order to achieve your dreams you must believe in yourself first. Remember that you are capable.”
DATE: 20th of September 2018
AUTHOR: Marissa Pagliarello
IMAGE: Jalen Timms
