Becoming MatchFit | Unlocking Opportunity in Sport

Athletes don’t struggle to get jobs because they lack experience, they struggle because they don’t know how to translate their value.In this episode of Becoming MatchFit, recruitment expert Anita Nichols shares how athletes can successfully transition careers, stand out to employers, and get hired — even without traditional corporate experience.Why recruiters overvalue experience (and what they actually look for)The “translation gap” holding athletes back from job opportunitiesHow to write a CV that gets through AI screening toolsHow to use LinkedIn to build your personal brand and get noticedThe 70–80% rule for applying to jobs (and why most people get it wrong)How to confidently position your skills from sport in the workplaceWhat employers really think about hiring athletesHow to stand out in competitive job marketsAthletes already have the mindset, discipline, and resilience that businesses need — but without the right positioning, those strengths are often overlooked.This episode breaks down how to bridge that gap.Anita Nichols is a recruitment specialist with over 20 years’ experience helping candidates and organisations connect. She is the founder of You’ve Got Talent, a relationship-led recruitment business focused on candidate experience, career development, and long-term success.If you’re an athlete looking to build your career beyond sport, or a business looking to better understand high-performance talent:👉 Visit: https://matchfit360.com👉 Book a free 30-min consult to map your next move

Most people think girls drop out of sport because they lose interest.The reality is something far more confronting.In this episode, Rochelle Courtenay (Founder of Share the Dignity) shares the truth about period poverty and how it’s impacting participation in sport across Australia.From powerful personal stories to eye-opening data, we unpack:Why girls are leaving sportThe role of education and stigmaWhat clubs, coaches, and communities can doIf you care about keeping girls in sport, this is a conversation you need to hear.

Nafi Khandaker is chasing a professional career in the NRL or NFL.But like most athletes, the path isn’t linear.He’s working 60+ hours a week in real estate… funding his own dream… and building his profile from the ground up.Then one trip changed everything.While visiting Bangladesh, Nafi turned his story into opportunity — landing sponsors, gaining national TV coverage, and opening doors globally.In this episode, we unpack:How athletes can create opportunities beyond performanceThe power of storytelling, content and positioningWhat it really takes to pursue a professional careerWhy building your profile off the field mattersThis is the blueprint for becoming MatchFit.

Most people in sport don’t understand how sponsorship and partnerships actually work - and that’s why they miss opportunities. In this episode, we break down how brands think, what makes partnerships successful, and how athletes, clubs and organisations can unlock more value.🎧 ABOUT THE EPISODELauren Plumridge has worked across some of the biggest sports partnerships in Australia — from Telstra’s AFL and NRL partnerships to Deakin University and now Gray-Nicolls.In this conversation, we unpack:- How sports partnerships have evolved- What brands actually look for- How to build partnerships that go beyond logos and signage- Where the biggest opportunities are right now🚀 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN- How sports sponsorship and partnerships really work- What brands look for in athletes and organisations- Why most partnerships fail- How to create more value from content and storytelling- What’s next for sport, brands and partnerships🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYThe best partnerships aren’t transactional - they’re built on storytelling, alignment and long-term value.📈 CONNECT TO MATCHFITAt MatchFit, we believe most people in sport are sitting on untapped value.This podcast explores how to unlock that — through brand, content, partnerships and opportunity.👉 CALL TO ACTIONReady to unlock your value in sport?Download the MatchFit Playbook: https://matchfit360.com/how-to-make-money-as-an-athlete/Get your Athlete Brand Report: https://matchfit360.com/how-athletes-make-money-instagram-athlete-brand-report/

In this episode, Belinda McNulty, Co-Founder MatchFit360 and sports partnerships expert at Unibet, former NRL & Fox Sports shares what’s really happening behind the scenes in sponsorship, why athletes are still underserved commercially, and what brands need to do differently to stay ahead.We break down:- Why sports sponsorship is shifting from logos to storytelling- What the best sponsors are doing differently right now- How athletes can build value beyond followers- The gap between athletes and the commercial side of sport- Why women’s sport is not a “moment” — it’s a movementIf you’re an athlete, brand, club or partner in sport, this episode will help you understand where the industry is heading and how to be part of it.👉 Join MatchFit360 or learn more: https://matchfit360.com👉 Follow for more insights on athlete careers, sponsorships and sport business

Up to 94% of women are wearing the wrong bra - and for female athletes, that can impact comfort, performance and even participation in sport.In this episode of Becoming MatchFit, Nic speaks with Philippa Mitchell from The Fitting Studio about why proper bra fitting matters for women and girls in sport.From rugby league and netball to horse riding and athletics, different sports require different levels of support. Yet many athletes are unknowingly training and competing without the right support.Philippa shares insights from her work fitting athletes, schools and sports teams - including an initiative that led to a 20% increase in girls participating in sport after students received properly fitted sports bras.This conversation explores how better awareness, education and access to professional bra fitting could help keep more girls active and confident in sport.Learn more about The Fitting Studio🌐 Websitehttps://www.thefittingstudio.com.au📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/the_fitting_studio👍 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/thefittingstudio

If you’re wondering how to get sponsored as an athlete, this episode breaks down what sponsors actually look for - and why it’s not just about followers.Nic Greentree, host of Becoming MatchFit, explains how athletes attract sponsorships strategically, from brand positioning and audience alignment to digital reputation and long-term commercial value.We cover:• How athletes actually get sponsors• What sponsors look for before signing an athlete• Why follower count doesn’t equal leverage• The biggest mistakes athletes make when pitching brands• How to build a commercially strong athlete personal brand• How to protect your long-term earning potential in sportIf you're an athlete, agent or club looking to understand sports sponsorship from a strategic perspective, this episode will shift how you think about commercial partnerships.New episodes weekly.Want support?👉 Join the FREE MatchFit360 Academy (tools, resources & community): https://www.skool.com/matchfit360-4681👉 Learn more about MatchFit360: https://matchfit360.com

Shontelle Stowers, NSW Flag Captain and Australian Flag player discusses her journey from the Rugby Union, to NRLW, to the global stage of NFL Flag - including her experience at the Super Bowl and what it revealed about the future of women’s sport.Shonny shares what it really takes to transition between codes, the rapid growth of flag football internationally, and why countries like the USA are leading the way. We unpack the opportunity for Australian athletes, the rise of women’s pathways, and what needs to change for the game to truly evolve.This conversation goes beyond performance - diving into leadership, visibility, athlete influence, and how the next generation can think bigger when it comes to global sport.If you’re an athlete, coach, brand or sports organisation looking to understand where women’s sport is heading, this episode is a must-watch.Transitioning from NRLW to NFL FlagWhat the Super Bowl experience revealed about global sportWhy flag football is growing rapidly worldwideThe future of women’s sport in Australia and beyondBuilding visibility, leadership and athlete influenceGlobal pathways, scholarships and opportunitiesBecoming MatchFit is the podcast for athletes, clubs and brands ready to unlock their value and change their game. We explore performance, mindset, business, brand, and the future of sport.Follow us for more athlete insights, education and opportunities:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchfit360LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matchfit360MatchFit360 is a connected platform supporting athletes, clubs and brands through education, community and our global marketplace.

Darcie McDonald shares her journey from NRL Bulldogs cheerleader to becoming the Bulldogs Media Manager, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes in rugby league.If you’re interested in sports media careers, women in rugby league, or how professional clubs manage player communications and sponsors, this episode is for you.In this conversation, we cover:• How to become a sports journalist• What a club media manager actually does• The reality of working in rugby league media• Women building careers in male-dominated sports• How athletes and clubs manage sponsorship and brand relationships• The untold grind of pathways playersDarcie also shares her approach to interviewing athletes, building trust, and navigating the transition from journalist to working inside a professional NRL club.If you’re studying journalism, working in sport, or aspiring to build a career in sports media, this episode offers practical insight and real-world perspective.New episodes weekly.Want support?👉 Join the FREE MatchFit360 Academy (tools, resources & community): https://www.skool.com/matchfit360-4681👉 Learn more about MatchFit360: https://matchfit360.com

What does it really take to feel confident on camera in sport - without losing your personality?In this episode of Becoming MatchFit, I’m joined by Kiersten Duke, Sky Racing presenter, broadcaster and writer, for an honest conversation about finding your voice in sports media, building confidence under pressure, and navigating male-dominated environments.Kiersten shares:- What it’s like being told not to bring your personality on air- How she built confidence on camera while managing pressure and overstimulation- The unseen preparation behind live sport broadcasting- Why authenticity matters more than perfection in modern media- The realities of being a woman in sports media and how the landscape is shiftingThis episode is part of our Women in Sports Media series - real conversations with the women shaping how sport is seen, told and understood.Whether you’re an athlete, broadcaster, journalist, creator or simply passionate about women’s sport, this episode will resonate.👇 Watch the full episode and join the conversation🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes💬 Share this with someone building confidence in sport or media

This episode of Becoming MatchFit explores the relationship between periods and high performance with NRLW physio Jess Stoll.We unpack how menstrual cycles can impact training, why 'push through' culture doesn’t serve long-term performance, and how athletes can train smarter by understanding their bodies - without lowering standards.This conversation reframes periods as part of performance, not a problem, and highlights why athlete wellbeing, confidence and communication are essential for sustainable high performance.We also explore the inspiration behind Project FEM, the education gap facing young girls and women in sport, and why open conversations around women’s health are essential, not optional, in modern high-performance environments.A must-listen for athletes, coaches and high-performance environments serious about longevity and results.⭐ Access 'Managing the Menstrual Cycle for Peak Performance' article by Jess Stoll in MatchFit360 - Join FREE!

World champion jiu jitsu athlete Adele Fornarino shares how leadership, communication and self-belief shape performance beyond competition.This episode explores athlete leadership, building confidence off the mat, navigating sponsorship conversations, and understanding your role as more than just a performer.A must-listen for athletes stepping into leadership, visibility and impact beyond results.This is a powerful conversation about confidence, resilience, pressure, and the realities of elite sport that don’t always get talked about.Why confidence can’t depend on winningHow Adele reframes losses as learning, not failureManaging pressure, perfectionism and expectations at an elite levelThe routines and rituals that help her perform when it matters mostThe hidden costs of being a world-class athlete and why sponsorship mattersWhat legacy means for Adele and the future of women’s sportWhat Becoming MatchFit really looks like beyond physical performanceWhether you’re an athlete, coach, high performer or someone navigating pressure in your own life, this episode offers practical insights you can apply well beyond sport.Get Involved👉 Join the FREE MatchFit360 Academy (tools, resources & community): https://www.skool.com/matchfit360-4681👉 Learn more about MatchFit360: https://matchfit360.com

Financial educator Naomi Holmes breaks down the realities of athlete wellbeing beyond training - including income protection, insurance, superannuation and long-term confidence.This conversation explores why financial literacy is part of high performance, how athletes can protect themselves through injury or transition, and why planning for life after sport matters.Essential listening for athletes who want sustainable performance on and off the field.In this conversation, Naomi breaks down:Why super isn’t just about retirement - it’s about control nowWhat happens to your super when you change clubs, jobs or contractsHow insurance can sit inside super and support athletes through injuryWhy many athletes feel 'behind' and why that mindset isn’t trueSimple first steps you can take at any stage of your careerThis isn’t about being good with money.It’s about starting - wherever you are.To support athletes after this episode, we’ve created a free Athlete Super Check-In inside the MatchFit360 Academy.It helps you:Work out how many super accounts you haveSpot gaps from changing clubs, jobs or contractsUnderstand what insurance you may (or may not) haveIdentify your next best step - without overwhelm or numbers👉 Access the free checklist here 👉 Joining the Academy is freeFor practical, confidence-building money education, listen to Her Money Matters, where Naomi makes money conversations human, accessible and judgement-free.👉 Listen to Her Money Matters on Spotify - Episode 21👉 Listen to Her Money Matters on Apple Podcasts - Episode 21

2x Olympian Larrissa Rue Haven shares an honest reflection on athlete identity, confidence and life beyond sport.In this conversation, we explore what it means to recognise your value beyond performance, navigate discomfort outside competition, and rediscover who you are when sport no longer defines everything.A powerful episode for athletes and high performers experiencing transition, uncertainty or growth beyond results.Important disclaimer: This conversation is for general education and storytelling purposes only. It isn’t mental health, medical or professional advice. If you need support, please speak with a qualified health professional or contact 1800RESPECT for confidential help.Get Involved👉 Join the FREE MatchFit360 Academy (tools, resources & community): https://www.skool.com/matchfit360-4681👉 Learn more about MatchFit360: https://matchfit360.com

We’re taught to chase performance - results, wins, outcomes, success.But no one really prepares us for everything that comes with it.In this first short episode of Becoming MatchFit, host Nic Greentree shares why performance alone isn’t enough - in sport, work or life, and why off-field (and off-stage) support matters just as much as what we deliver.This episode sets the foundation for the podcast and the MatchFit360 philosophy: that confidence, capability and wellbeing don’t come from performance alone - they come from understanding the whole picture.Whether you’re an athlete, a high performer, or someone navigating change, this conversation is about becoming supported, informed and more resilient beyond what the world sees.About Becoming MatchFitBecoming MatchFit is a podcast for athletes and high performers who know performance isn’t the whole story. Through real conversations and expert insights, we explore money, careers, identity, health and life beyond performance.🎧 New episodes weeklyGet Involved👉 Join the FREE MatchFit360 Academy (tools, resources & community): https://www.skool.com/matchfit360-4681👉 Learn more about MatchFit360: https://matchfit360.comImportant: This podcast is for general education only and does not provide personal financial, legal or medical advice.

Sport trains you to perform, but it rarely prepares you for the off-field realities like money, contracts, confidence, career transitions and life beyond sport.Hosted by Nic Greentree, founder of MatchFit360, Becoming MatchFit is a podcast for athletes and high performers who want to feel confident and capable off the field - not just perform on it.Through real athlete stories and expert conversations, this podcast breaks down the things athletes are rarely taught in a way that’s practical, supportive and easy to understand.This isn’t advice.It’s clarity.New episodes released weekly.Get Involved👉 Join the free MatchFit360 Academy (tools, resources & community):https://www.skool.com/matchfit360-4681👉 Learn more about MatchFit360:https://matchfit360.comImportant:This podcast is educational in nature and does not provide personal financial, legal or medical advice.