OFF the back of a successful launch in 2023, the Port Adelaide Academy of Sport has expanded and is set to welcome a larger student cohort for the Diploma in Sports Management in partnership with Flinders University in 2024.
The first of its kind education pathway in South Australia reached capacity enrolments in its inaugural year and the coming year will see even more students gain AFL industry experience, underpinned by the quality pedigree of the Flinders University curriculum.
Students enrolled in the year-long full-time course will gain practical insights into the operations of an AFL club, with two candidates guaranteed employment opportunities at the Port Adelaide Football Club on completion of the course.
Delivered at the Adelaide and Alberton Ovals and Flinders University’s new city campus, students will be embedded in the sport and business industry as they complete 100 hours of hands-on work experience across Port Adelaide’s various professional departments with players, management, partners, and staff.
Students planning further study will also be offered pathways into undergraduate programs by enrolling in the second year of the Bachelor of Business (Sports Management), Bachelor of Business or the Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity at Flinders University.
Current Port Adelaide Academy of Sport student, Dylan Errington, has credited the program’s inner sanctum experiences and hands-on learning opportunities to advancing his professional and personal growth.
“As a lifelong passionate Port Adelaide supporter, the chance to participate in the Diploma of Sports Management at the club and learn from their staff about the inner workings of a professional AFL team was a key reason in applying. This opportunity, combined with the course’s focus on the sports industry, is the perfect steppingstone towards my career in sports,” Mr. Errington said.
“My experience at the Port Adelaide Academy of Sport has been a great influence on my academic and personal growth. Completing assessment pieces to a high standard has made me believe that if I was to further my studies in the future at Flinders University, I would be able to do so.
“The professional growth I’ve gained from 100 hours of practical hands-on experience has been extremely beneficial as it has positively influenced my self-confidence and public speaking skills”.
Students can find out more about the program at the 2023 Port Adelaide Academy of Sport Open Days:
Wednesday 29 November @ 9am – The Precinct at Alberton Oval
Wednesday 6 December @ 4pm – The Precinct at Alberton Oval
For more information on the program, upcoming Open Days and applications, students can register here.
