Saints star Joe’s inspiring pupils in their education
Defender stresses importance of learning at Perth Academy
St Johnstone star Joe Shaughnessy went back to school recently to deliver an inspirational message about balancing education and sport.
The central defender visited Perth Academy with Saints’ school engagement officer Megan Moss to talk to students about the importance of continuing higher education.
Joe, who is currently working on a maths degree, also discussed time management and how he is able to juggle plying his trade with the McDiarmid Park side and his academic commitments.
He explained: “It is easy to get caught up in the everyday of football and not recognise what will come after your career, no matter how successful.
“You have to discipline yourself to go home and study. I suppose when you’re bringing that into football, you’ve got to discipline yourself, and not take any shortcuts. You’ve got to concentrate on what you’re doing all the time.
“When you’re playing football, you’re around the same people everyday. It’s all football, football, football.
“Doing maths allows you to broaden the people you talk to, and it definitely helps you to become more well-rounded as an individual.”
The values held by Shaughnessy are shared by Saints defender Joe Shuaghnessy visited Perth Academy to talk with pupils. Pic: Stewart Cowper
fellow Saints player Chris Millar, who has earned himself a degree in Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting.
The midfield maestro said: “You can only be a sportsman for so long. It’s a short career, and you have to look to after yourself. I think it’s important for any footballer or athlete to plan for their future.
“I found it was really good to use your brain again. I found it refreshing, and I was playing well, because
I wasn’t just constantly thinking about football.”
Perth Academy rector Johnny Lothian was delighted with how the school visit went.
He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Joe into the school and have our students receive an inspirational message reinforcing the value of lifelong learning as well as the importance of values such as ambition and perseverance.”
School engagement officer Megan has been busy
visiting students across the region and knows how important the advice of professional footballers can be. I just think if you have an important message and a platform to deliver it, you should make yourself heard,” she said. “In this case, I think it is very important for young aspiring athletes to know it is possible to balance education and sports, and hearing it from the professional football players themselves makes it all the more potent.”