BEN Kantarovski will combine football and psychology next season to mix education and A-League as insurance for the future in a competition that's lost 70 per cent of its original players.
The Newcastle Jets star has been awarded a Kimon Taliadoris Scholarship by Professional Footballers Australia to assist him with his Psychology studies at Newcastle University next year.
The PFA has revealed that only 30 per cent of those who kicked off season one of the A-League are still playing in the competition, stressing just how precarious a football career can be.
Kantarovski, while tipped for the brightest of futures in the game, is taking nothing for granted and wants more than one string to his bow.
"Balancing my schooling while coping with the demands of professional football is something that all players can do," he told the PFA's official website.
"With the right planning and a good support structure, I was able to find the time I needed to pass all of my subjects without compromising my football development. I'm really happy with my progress both on the field and off the field."
The players union is delighted with Kantarovski's chosen path and hopes others will follow.
Ben is one the Australia's most promising young talents," said PFA CEO Brendan Schwab. "His achievements with his education and football have been outstanding.
"The career of a professional footballer is often short-term, precarious and of constant transition. Whilst the A-League is only in its 5th season, less than 30% of the competition's inaugural players remain in the League.
"Ben's efforts serve as an example to all his fellow professionals."
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