Newcastle Jets captain and PFA Executive Committee Member Nigel Boogaard has taken a step towards life after after football, joining Hunter-based property development group 35 Latitude Property Development.
Having studied residential drafting and building construction whilst playing in Adelaide, Nigel is keen to further develop his experience in the development business moving forward and has joined 35 Latitude in a part-time role.
Boogaard’s role within 35 Latitude will see him drive awareness of the business along with giving him experience in project management.
“Having just announced a contract extension [with the Newcastle Jets], I am not ready to hang up the boots yet, but I understand that I am probably closer to the end of my career than the start. I am really excited by the opportunity to learn the ropes of property development with 35 Latitude,” Boogaard said.
“Like most people, I love property and I am fascinated by the development process. It’s really rewarding being involved and seeing something evolve from a concept on a piece of paper, through construction to an end product being enjoyed by the community.”
The Newcastle Jets are also supportive of the move, with CEO Lawrie Mckinna supporting Boogaard’s work outside of his football commitments.
“I have seen too many footballers go through their career without really planning for life after they hang up the boots,” McKinna said. “As a club we encourage our players to maximise their time away from the pitch by looking at areas in which they able to up skill themselves and prepare for life after football. For Nigel it’s a great opportunity to gain experience in an industry he is interested in and has undergone previous studies.”
Head Coach Ernie Merrick has also supported Boogaard’s move:
“I have always been of the belief that full time athletes should have balance in their lives. Football careers are relatively short and preparation for life after sport is important. Therefore, I believe that all players should plan for a career after sport and set aside time to prepare for future employment options and investments.”
35 Latitude Director, Brett Brookfield, said that Boogaard, like many footballers, possessed the right traits to be successful in work and business outside of football.
“Nigel has proven over an extended career to have the traits required to become successful in the property development industry. His tenacity, determination, passion and personable approach on and off field make Nigel the perfect fit for our team. We are very conscious of not pigeonholing Nigel in our business. With his skill set we can see many areas where Nigel could excel, and want to give him exposure to the whole development process, and see what area he gravitates toward. We really want to tap into the passion he has for property and are looking forward to Nigel forging a long term career with our company.”
35 Latitude have an emerging presence in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie property markets, with many of their projects starting to begin construction over the next 12 months.
“The fact that the 35 Latitude Development Fund allows everyday investors share in the profits from larger scale property development is obviously unusual, so being part of that is exciting. Being a part of helping people shape their financial future is also pretty rewarding, and am looking forward to learning as much as I can and getting stuck into the role.”
