Looking back at a Rugby League career which included over 200 NRL games and club captaincy for the Parramatta Eels plus a wide range of achievements both on and off the footy pitch, Tim Mannah is a welcome addition to our ACPE Alumni Game Changer Series. Tim Mannah, class of 2016, studied a Bachelor of Sports Business at ACPE through the ACPE Elite Athlete, Coach and Performer Program. Balancing the range of commitments that come with being a high-performance athlete and club captain while studying certainly would have its challenges for many. Though through this period, Tim ensured that he maintained a balanced approach and welcomed the correlation between disciplines that you learn as an athlete and as a student. Since retiring in 2019, Tim has swapped the footy boots for a pair of office shoes and is currently enjoying a different view of the goalposts with Parramatta Eels as their Corporate Partnerships Manager. We had the opportunity to catch up Tim as an ‘ACPE Alumni Game Changer’ and ask him a few questions about his time at ACPE how life has played out since.
- Why did you choose to study with ACPE?
ACPE felt like a great fit for me once I finished high school. I was contracted with the Parramatta Eels at the time. I always wanted to study business and the option to be able to do a degree that combines business with sport felt great.
- What were some standout memories from your time at ACPE?
I had a great time studying at ACPE, with many stand out moments. I guess the support I received from Maureen through the Elite Athlete, Coach and Performer Program was something I was very grateful for, as she kept me focused on getting through to the end.
- Since graduation day, what has your career journey looked like?
After graduating in 2016, I began a transition program with the Parramatta Eels, which enabled me to work one day a week with the commercial team at the club to gain experience. I spent the last three years of my career completing this transition, and once I retired at the end of 2019, I took up a role with the Parramatta Eels in the commercial team in partnerships, I also work with the marketing team at Parramatta Leagues Club.
- Working for the club that you spent years representing must be a dream. What has it been like taking the footy boots off and getting behind the desk?
The transition has been really smooth. Working in a role that I enjoy and at a club I am passionate about, really made for an enjoyable transition to life after football. Bevan Paul, who is the CEO of Parramatta Leagues Club has also been very supportive and a bit of a mentor in assisting me make the transition to the workforce.
- How did ACPE help you get to where you are now? Particularly with our Elite Athlete, Coach and Performer Program.
The best thing about ACPE, was the support you receive as an athlete. The ability to make up classes or have tutors assist you on classes you may miss due to training was an enormous help.
- What advice would you have for young athletes looking to balance their passion for sport and education?
The best advice I could give a young athlete looking to balance their passion for sport and education is to understand the correlation between disciplines you learn as an athlete and a student go hand in hand. One helps the other and enables you to have a balanced lifestyle that enhances your ability to perform at a higher level.
Is 2020 the year for Parra? Can they go all the way?!
Of course! This is the best team we have fielded for a very, very long time and they are playing an amazing brand of football. The stars are aligning and if all goes to plan, this will be the year!
