Michael Richardson is one of six PCA members to have received a PCA Personal Development Scholarship Award thanks to their dedication off the field towards a second career.
Richardson won the Current Player accolade, shared with Leicestershire’s Paul Horton, after starting his own business and finding interests outside of cricket have helped his mental wellbeing.
The 32-year-old set up a venture to buy properties in areas with high rentals with limited capital growth. Through the process, he has expanded his knowledge in a number of areas including how his new company operates with HMRC, accountants, estate agents and lawyers.
After being shortlisted via an online application process, Richardson presented via Skype to a panel which consisted of PCA Chief Executive David Leatherdale, Director of Development and Welfare Ian Thomas and Personal Development Managers Charlie Mulraine and Mark Wallace.
Talking about his achievements, Richardson said:
“I have understood that focus away from the game can leave us with more mental energy for it.
“We often can’t 100% prepare or choose for what we want we when finish but the key is be closer to deciding and do the work now that opens opportunities later.”
“The Scholarship Awards should encourage others to think of their own futures away from the field, it doesn’t matter how big of a step they are taking, any step is one forward to prepare for their future,” said PCA’s Director of Development and Welfare Ian Thomas.
All the winners received a financial award to be put towards the cost of their Personal Development and become PCA Personal Development Ambassadors for 2019.