Beyond the Final Whistle: Switch the Play Calls for Greater Support for Scotland's Elite Athletes

Posted on: 10 June 2026 by Switch the Play

The UK's leading elite sports charity, Switch the Play Foundation, has called on Scottish business leaders to help it deliver 'more boots on the ground' in Scotland to support a growing number of the country's elite athletes as they transition out of sport.

Switch the Play Foundation is the only UK charity delivering long-term transition programmes and mental health support to elite sportspeople, but the face-to-face elements of their programmes are currently largely focussed south of the border due to a lack of funding. This means that Scottish athletes often face lengthy journeys to access the in-person support and career transition pathways they need when their sports careers end.

Last night, Switch the Play appealed for help to address this during a panel discussion at The Library of Mistakes in Edinburgh. The evening was hosted by Executive Search and Advisory firm, Saxton Bampfylde, and attended by business and sports leaders from across Scotland. Mary Few, Head of Saxton Bampfylde Scotland, commented on the evening:

Understanding what makes an exceptional leader is at the heart of everything we do at Saxton Bampfylde. Elite athletes embody many of the qualities we look for - resilience, the ability to perform under pressure, a commitment to continuous improvement and the discipline to deliver when it matters most."We were delighted to host this conversation and we hope it helps open doors for more athletes to bring those leadership qualities into their next chapter here in Scotland."

Panellists included former Scotland international footballer and broadcaster Pat Nevin, current Scotland Rugby international Eva Donaldson, and former Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland Sevens player Chris Dean.

Pat spoke about the challenges he's seen many of his contemporaries face when they step away from the field of play, saying: "Footballers or indeed any athlete has to face the dread of all their dreams ending and it usually happens young. Sympathy can be in short supply but that transition into 'normal' life is often problematic and indeed dangerous."

Pat continues:

This is a group that needs support, not handouts, to show that their skills, mindset and willingness to work and learn can be fabulous assets to many organisations.

Switch the Play CEO, Rob Young MBE, says that many people perceive elite sportspeople to be 'wealthy celebrities' who take home life-altering pay packets and are therefore set for life when the final whistle blows. But he says the reality is very different for the majority.

We know from a recent study that 89% of elite athletes have to pursue second careers after sport to maintain financial security, and that for many, their transition journey can be really challenging, with 54% reporting mental health concerns post retirement.

"In addition, we know that for 70% of elite athletes their careers don't end on their own terms, but often end abruptly due to injury or deselection, which can be incredibly difficult to process. Everything we do at Switch the Play Foundation is geared towards providing the holistic and practical support that athletes need to thrive and move into new careers beyond sport."

Panellist, Chris Dean, ended his rugby union career in 2024 as Edinburgh's most-capped centre. He talked at the event about his first-hand experience of trying to navigate a post-sport transition on home turf.

"I was fortunate to be selected for the JP Morgan Military and Athlete Transition Programme when I stepped away from rugby. It involved travelling to London weekly, which had its challenges, particularly being away from my young family. While on paper my transition looks relatively smooth, it hasn't been without its difficulties."

I'm very grateful to now have a full-time role in the wealth management sector in Scotland, in a field I'm passionate about, but I recognise that many of my contemporaries have faced tougher paths.

Ex-Scottish Rugby international Sarah Denholm, who also attended the evening, is currently taking part in Switch the Play's bespoke rugby transition programme, and says she recently made the 16-hour round trip from Edinburgh to Bath to take part. Sarah says:

Transitioning into something else has come with its difficulties emotionally and securing a full-time job has been really hard. Getting to spend a few days with other ex-athletes on the programme, and sharing our experiences truly inspired me to push on. To have that in Scotland would allow people like me to have a network on their doorstep with sportspeople who have faced similar challenges and people who are willing to help.

Rob Young concluded the evening by appealing to corporate leaders to help Switch the Play to deliver more targeted opportunities in Scotland for Scottish athletes saying that there were many ways that local businesses can help.

One of the most obvious ways is via direct funding support. Our services are free to access for all elite athletes, so for us to offer our full range of support services in Scotland, we need to raise upwards of £40,000 which is a challenge in today's environment.

“In addition, we are asking for more corporates to consider setting up athlete career pathways in Scotland so that there are meaningful routes into local employment which recognises the unique skills and experiences that elite performance athletes bring to a workforce."

“And finally, we want support and advocacy for the work that we do - raising the profile of both Switch the Play Foundation and the challenges that our elite athletes face away from the field of play is vital to changing the dial for the next generation coming through."

If you are interest in supporting Switch the Play Foundation in Scotland, or you're an elite athlete in need of transition support, please contact info@switchtheplay.com.