THE PORT ADELAIDE Football Club and the Australian College of Sport (ACS) have partnered to deliver an exciting new high-performance qualification that prepares athletes for a professional playing career.
The Diploma of Sport Development (AFL Program) will suit school leavers who are seeking a career in the AFL industry.
It is delivered full-time over one year at PAFC Headquarters at Alberton, in Adelaide’s north-west along with specific core components delivered at off-site venues.
The curriculum is individualised and comprises technical, physical, mental and tactical AFL training in coordination with sport science theory and technologies, personal development, practical business theory and career preparation skills that give students the ultimate experience in professional athlete training and career preparation skills.
Recognised internationally for its commitment to sport science and for developing AFL athletes, the Port Adelaide Football Club will provide enrolled students with access to high performance staff, players and facilities during the program.
Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak said the program would have been valuable when he was starting out his journey into the AFL.
“I would have jumped at the opportunity to train with and learn from elite high-performance experts to take my game up a level and prepare me for life as a professional footballer.”
Port Adelaide Assistant Coach Nathan Bassett said there were many benefits to the program for those looking to become professional footballers including learning customised to individuals.
“Our program provides a unique development pathway for aspiring AFL players looking for a holistic approach to their journey to becoming an elite athlete.”
Among the experts lending their experience to the program is Port Adelaide Head of High Performance Dr Ian McKeown.
“The day to day experience is that of an AFL player focusing on the physical, technical and mental aspects of the game using expert mentors in the field.”
The program has been developed in partnership with Port Adelaide’s high-performance staff, elite mind experts the IKON Institute of Australia and the ACS.
ACS Chief Executive Stuart Roberts said he was excited to continue the partnership with Port Adelaide which already included a Certificate III in Sport.
“The Australian College of Sport is delighted to be offering our Programs in partnership with Port Adelaide Football Club,” he said.
“Port Adelaide Football Club’s commitment to long-term success is a testament to their innovation for aligning to the highest quality programs that educate and develop young people.”
“It is a key partnership for us and one that will open up many opportunities as the relationship grows.”
Upon graduation in the Diploma of Sport Development, and for those students who wish to progress their study at Bachelor level, credit transfer arrangements are available with ACS university partners.
This program is part of a formal pathway with selected universities and higher education providers for diploma graduates to progress with credit transfer to bachelor level qualifications if this is desirable.
Established in 2006, ACS is an Australian Government accredited Registered Training Organisation that specialises in delivery of premium education qualifications in high-performance sport to secondary school students and school leavers.
Available at Certificate and Diploma levels, their world-class programs offer ACS student athletes options to pursue multiple career choices in professional sport, with the primary focus being on students becoming a professional athlete.
Those willing to take part can register here for a skill trial, which will take place on November 2, 2018 at Port Adelaide Headquarters at Alberton.
The Diploma of Sport Development (AFL Program) will commence in 2019.
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