At Sports Advisory Partners Australia, our strength lies in the diverse expertise and unwavering passion of our team. Each member brings a unique perspective, contributing to our holistic approach in delivering game-changing results for sporting organisations and stakeholders. Our ‘Meet the Team’ series offers an inside look at the people who embody our values and drive our success. In this instalment, we chat with Executive Director Ian Prendergast, and discover his journey and contributions to our mission.
What made you want to pursue a career in sport?
Being fortunate to have experienced the roller coaster ride of playing AFL at the top level for Carlton Football Club and being the AFL Players’ Association Delegate during such an eventful period for the club, I developed an interest in how the industry was run and the business of sport, particularly from the athletes’ perspective. After working for a short period as a lawyer in private practice, I realised that wasn’t the path for me long term and was fortunate to secure an opportunity as General Manager of Player Relations which allowed me to combine my passion for leadership and athlete empowerment.
What do you love most about working at SAPA?
The variety of work we are doing for clients to deliver positive change across different sports, the team we have brought on board and what we are building together internally and through our partnerships. The achievements we can enable through SAPA are what gives me energy, which goes to the heart of our purpose as a business.
What do you do day to day in your role?
Work with our team to provide support and deliver agreed outcomes for our clients, while continuing to grow SAPA in line with our strategy. I’m also trying to lean into the leadership of our growing team and clients, continuously stopping to reflect how I can be the most impactful.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time outside of work?
Being an Uber driver for my three kids and spending time socialising with family and friends.
What is your favourite sporting moment all-time?
Cathy Freeman winning gold in the 400m at the Sydney Olympics. Growing up running middle distance (800m / 1500m) at a high level as an ambitious kid from Kerang (country Victoria) and aspiring to compete in the Olympics, that was the ultimate stage and Freeman handled it beautifully despite having the expectations of an entire nation on her shoulders.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to enter the sporting industry?
Build relations and develop yourself through getting practical experience in different areas of the industry that will then allow you to continue progressing through your career. If you want it bad enough, then persist and continue to show up in the right way.