Canberra Raiders up and coming forward Clay Webb is using his opportunity in the club's NRL squad, to help better his career post-football by studying at the University of Canberra.
Webb was today named as one of 12 athletes and officials to receive the Eldon and Anne Foote Scholarship, which will assist him in his current studies. Webb is currently studying at UC in secondary education, specialising in Physical Education.
He said the opportunity to prepare himself for life after football was vital in his career path and enjoyed balancing his study with his football commitments with the Raiders.
"A big part of the reason I signed with the Raiders is so I could make sure I was getting an opportunity to prepare for life after football and studying at UC gives me this opportunity," Webb said. "It can be a challenge balancing training and study, but it's something I'm really enjoying."
The Eldon and Anne Foote Elite Athlete Scholarships – worth $10,000 each – were awarded to twelve University of Canberra students at a presentation on campus today.
The recipients – 11 athletes and for the first time, one umpire – receive a cash scholarship aimed at supporting them balance their time studying and competing at an elite level.
The athletes come from a variety of sporting areas including race walking, rugby, snowsports, swimming, team sports and ParaAthletics.
University of Canberra Director of Sport Carrie Graf says the scholarships for elite athlete students reinforce the University’s strong commitment to helping students thrive.
“We want to continue to ensure that our Elite Athlete student cohort is supported throughout their studies,” said Ms Graf.
“Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the student recipients are able to maintain a balance and thrive both academically and athletically.”
For many recipients, having a donor invest in their future is invaluable – particularly following a year of disruptions to training schedules and competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some of our students had been preparing to attend the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 and are continuing those preparations in 2021. In a year of unknowns for them, this support is intended to ease any stressors for them,” Ms Graf said.
The Eldon and Anne Foote Elite Athlete Scholarship is awarded in addition to the University’s long-standing elite athlete program, further affirming UC’s place as a sporting and athlete-friendly university.
Eldon and Anne Foote Elite Athlete Scholarship recipients:
Rachel Tallent – Race Walking
Sidonie Carroll – Rugby 7’s
Clay Webb – Rugby League
Declan Burke – Skiing
Sarah Walsh – ParaAthletics
Jay Macdonald – Hockey
Blake Macdonald – Cricket
Emily Nobbs – Swimming
Malia Harrison – Netball
James Forwood – AFL Umpiring
Tara Phillips – Volleyball
Robert Palmer – Squash
