Similar to all life cycles, a footballers career commences and concludes.
However, athletes are often uncertain about the precise timing of the conclusion of their career and the events that might lead to retirement.
Babalj’s retirement occurred at the age of 30 due to a career marred by recurring injuries, prompting him to exit professional football. After enduring a 12-year career plagued by setbacks, Babalj was already contemplating his next steps as he transitioned into life after playing.
After finishing his studies, Babalj swiftly obtained employment following his retirement.
In his final year at the highest level, Babalj was involved for the Newcastle Jets during the 2021-2022 A-League Men Season, now he continues his footballing journey with the same club, serving as their Football Operations Manager and assistant coach for their senior men’s teams.
Not every individual has the privilege of such opportunities, some struggles exist in securing employment after their football careers, while others simply find themselves not knowing what to do.
However, Babalj had been contemplating his next phase for some time, and with assistance from Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), he started to map out the path of his future beyond his playing career.
“There were a couple of situations throughout my career where I thought, will I get another contract or will I be given another chance and it made you think: ‘okay, what’s next?,’ he told the PFA.
“That’s where the PFA was great, the Player Development Managers helped push you into and guide you and gave you suggestions and advice about what you can do.
“I was lucky enough to do a post grad in Football Business and I carried on to do a Masters in Sports Management which helped me get this gig in the first place.
“I had started my coaching badges while I was playing. It’s very important, I hope the PFA continue to do that work because when I was 18 and they’d come in, I used to think ‘oh, don’t worry about that, I’ll worry about that when I’m 30.’
“But l wish I had started it earlier, because in your down time you can actually switch off and learn, and get qualifications instead of overthinking because you have a lot of down time as a player.
“I’m glad l ended up doing it, l still ended up finishing it on time, it’s never too late or never too early to start.”
Upon assuming his new position, many of Babalj’s former teammates became individuals he now oversaw in his role in football operations, furthermore, they were the players to whom he imparted instructions on the pitch.
“You want to earn the respect of your peers because of your new role, not because of who you were as a player so I just tried to have good rapport with everyone and help in any way I can,” he said to the PFA.
“The transition was made easier because it kept you busy because a lot of players once they retire, they have a lot of spare time and when you have a lot of spare time, it’s a lot of thinking and overthinking and that’s not good.
Indeed, Babalj’s performance with Melbourne Heart and his subsequent move abroad earned him a call-up for the Socceroos, he debuted in a friendly match against South Korea and later scored two goals against Guam during the 2013 East Asian Cup.
Sadly, the common theme of Babalj’s playing career was struggling to maintain consistent playing time, nonetheless, he aims to embark on a new chapter where he can exert a greater influence in football beyond the field.
“When l was presented that role with football ops, it coincided with doing my Masters in Sports Management and then former Jets Head Coach, Arthur Papas, was happy enough for me to help out on a coaching side, which helped me decide which direction I wanted to go long term and gave me something to think about,” he said to the PFA.
Babalj harbours significant aspirations for the direction he wants to steer his coaching career, intending to pursue further studies overseas.
“Keep getting the experience and learning, you have to finish off all the licences first. I always wanted to do the UEFA ones, I started all the AFC ones through FA and the PFA but as you see many other coaches from Australia, when they want to go overseas they have obstacles,” he said to the PFA.
Babalj’s career should be a guide for local players in the country thinking about their post-football careers and the importance of laying the groundwork for getting ready in the necessary occupation they may have, whether it’s in football or elsewhere.
