Konstantis Tzolakis graduated from the University of Piraeus and spoke to the PSAPP about his studies, the promise he had made to his parents and how he managed to combine them with the championship he does with Olympiacos.
In detail what he said to the PSAPP:
-Congratulations, congratulations on your degree from the University of Piraeus in Organization and Administration. We are here, you wearing the national jersey so that we can talk about the education and a combination of career at the highest level, in your case, with studies. First of all, how do you feel as a graduate?
“I am very happy to have ended this piece. Thanks for the invitation and I wish through our interview to help as many kids in this path. “
-You’re 15 out of 16 and you realize that football is going well. How do you find the concentration to give Panhellenic to go before?
“Yes, I’ll tell you a little bit how the story starts a little older, which I had my parents who were constantly telling me that the ball is good, but studies are the most important and I agree, because we start a lot of children from an early age. But those who manage to play at a high level and be able to make a living. Therefore, as the first goal when I had climbed to Athens to join the Olympic team, it was that the school should not leave it. At the age of 16 I was in the first team of Olympiacos, I did some workouts but I certainly didn’t expect this development in the next six years. So I would have to do the effort of the Panhellenic people, so that I can get into a university I like. I had made this promise to my parents that I should pursue my studies. Finance was something I have always liked. I could also go to TEFAA, of course, but because of the obligations at TEFAA – because it has compulsory appearances – and due to the demanding program of the team, it would be quite difficult to combine both. I chose the University of Piraeus. So once I go in and write well in the Panhellenic, I have done a big feat that year because of the pandemic and I have done them, so it would be a little unfair to myself to say ‘OK, I went to university but also because I am at the team. So, slowly, I was trying to pass the lessons, to read whenever I have the free time and not leave it, until we arrived after five years to get the degree, which I think will help me both in the future career and today. “
-Giorgio Kielini, who is a FIFPRO ambassador on education, had said that the combination of football was helping his performance and in the field, mainly in the part of decision -making and spiritual readiness. Is it something you’ve seen too?
“Clearly some lessons are combined with everyday life, and let alone with training and racing, it is something I totally agree with. I just think it’s not the university that will give you them. The bases come in from the family, since you are young and play an important factor for your evolution. But, of course, classes at university certainly help, not only in football steps, but in all areas. From negotiating a contract, since we are talking about the football side, to what you will do when you retire from football. “
-How important is the support of the Association on the one hand and understanding the educational institution in professional obligations on the other?
“The good thing with me was that at the university I was in I didn’t want a compulsory presence. There were very few lessons that wanted compulsory presence, so it made it easy for me to be able to read remotely. Of course, if I were asking for a day for permission from the team (ed. Olympiacos) not to attend any training, I wouldn’t think they would have objections. I can’t forget the support I had from the team when I was giving Panhellenic, as they had helped me both in the financial part of the special and in having a space to be able to read in my quiet, because I was not alone at the Olympic Academy. I was also with other kids, but because I had told them I would like a quiet space to read, they had found an office and they had helped me a lot on this piece. “
-Think the next day during your studies, that is, when there is no more football in your life. It’s too early, but because we’ve seen that many times this day comes without how to wait. Does it make you think cooler now, having a degree?
“It is not a diploma so that I can find a job in an office and go to my resume and say ‘I have a degree, so take me, please, at work’. The purpose of the degree is to gain knowledge so that you do not have to send the resume somewhere to your 35 and be able to work and be the boss of your job. “
-Do you think about it and before that day comes?
“The knowledge is necessary and the sooner you start something on your degree, the better it is for you, because it will bring you more benefits. At the moment I do not think about it as a degree as a degree, but certainly if the opportunity comes, depending on the benefit I will have and if I think the decision I will make is right, I will surely do that. “
-The PSAPP gives a great base to the Dual Career part, has entered into some of the educational institutions so that its members can receive some scholarships and combine it (see collaborations with academic institutions here and its members are able to study or study). Do you think there is an age barrier in studies? Would you suggest a colleague to look for the educational program that suits him, regardless of age?
“Clearly not (there are no age limits). Now I am now 23. In 13-14 years, I don’t know when, my career will end. Not only me, of all children and players who reach this age. We have a whole life in front of us, which we should all wonder what we will do. And if the only thing you know how to do at your 37 is kicking a ball, it’s a little problem. I saw it through interviews by older players, finished by training, matches and just saying I was sitting at home and I have nothing to do. So having a degree and a occupation in which you will go through your daily life and like what you really do, I believe that only a player can see it positively who wants to get a degree regardless of age. “
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
