A former professional rugby league player has joined one of GIS’ courses, as he looks for the next step in his career, aspiring to be a CEO of a sports organisation.
Chris Irwin spent four and a half years playing rugby league for Wigan Warriors, before playing for Leigh, Oldham, Rochdale and Swinton.
He said: “I became a teacher from there, then started my own companies, two of which were sold off after 15 years. I decided at that point that I would like to get into professional sport again.”
Chris is now taking part in GIS’ CEO of a Sports Organisation course, as he takes the next step in his business career.
“You go into these courses not quite knowing what you’re going to get out,” Chris said.
“The first day flew. It was 5pm and I still wanted to learn more. It was a long day, and at not one point was I bored, or looked at my watch.
“I’m really looking forward to some of the other guest speakers we’ve got coming along, and actually developing my knowledge of the CEO role.”
Chris went on to say how the course is really beneficial to him, and others in a similar situation, living a busy lifestyle.
He said: “I’m juggling a lot of plates at the moment; I’m director of a company which I’m very busy with, I’m doing the work at Salford Red Devils, I’m the chairman of a community rugby league club.
“This gives me that flexibility of two days a month, coming to do the course on-site and then the distant learning away from there where I’m getting different worksheets sent to me.”
“The balance between lecturing and actually putting it to the table and sharing experiences in their professional world is really valid and massively important.
“The practical element of this really suited me as a person.”
He finished: “The amount of knowledge I’ve got from the course already is immense. The amount of opportunities that the course will present to me will be massive, so I’d highly recommend this course.”
To find out more about the CEO of a Sports Organisation course at GIS, click here.
