PORT ADELAIDE today announced with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall two exciting initiatives to its evolving Power Footy program in China. 

Premier Marshall launched an exciting extension to the current program with the announcement of Power Footy Study Tours. 

The Power Footy Study Tours program, with the support of the University of Adelaide and Australian Nutrition and Sports (ANS), will combine sport, education and tourism to build a bridge for students from Australia and China to connect. 

The first study tour in this program will take place in July and will combine familiarity tours of the University of Adelaide, English-immersion classes and an experience watching Port Adelaide play at the Adelaide Oval, against Greater Western Sydney. 

The Power Footy program, which is also supported by Study Adelaide and is already in 21 schools across China, uses sport to encourage cultural exchange. 

Port Adelaide aspires to expand the program to 100 schools in China by 2020, the 150^th anniversary of the club. 

Premier Marshall also today announced at Shanghai’s Bile Middle School, the first school to adopt the Power Footy program in 2016, ANS as a supporting partner of the program. 

ANS, who have a range of health products, from infant formula to protein supplements, have quickly established their presence in the Chinese market. 

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas says the club is thrilled with the support from Premier Marshall, ANS and the University of Adelaide for the Power Footy program. 

“Port Adelaide has always believed sport can be a great bridge between people. This initiative demonstrates the potential for sport, education and tourism to come together and provide a great opportunity for young people from Australia and China to interact and share positive experiences,” said Mr Thomas. 

“We have been involved in programs for international students for a long time. For four years, we have hosted 50 international students at each of our home games. 

“Now, with our expanding Power Footy program, we have the opportunity to complete the circle, promoting the University of Adelaide to Chinese students, enhancing their student experience in Adelaide as part of the Port Adelaide Football Club family, then helping the international students to find internships and work through our powerful business network. 

“These programs aren’t possible without partners, and I thank ANS for their support. Importantly, we also thank the University of Adelaide for their support.” 

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall strongly endorsed the potential of the Power Footy program at the launch. 

“Growth in Chinese international student numbers from 8,095 enrolments in 2013 to 15,365 enrolments in 2017, with economic yield grown from an estimated $277.9 million to well in excess of $500 million over the period, shows how important international education is to South Australia,” he said. 

“But we still don’t get our fair share. The Power Footy study tour program is a great example of the private sector leading, and I am happy for my Government to support this initiative by being part of this announcement today. 

“We have great education institutions. This program will encourage more Chinese students to consider the University of Adelaide as their destination for higher education.” 

Premier Marshall highlighted potential benefits the Power Footy Study Tours program also has for South Australia’s all-important tourism industry. 

“In the short term, it encourages tourism – another significant sector for South Australia. Growth in Chinese international tourist numbers from 18,000 annual visitors to a projected 60,000 annual visitors, would equate to economic yield growth from $110 million to $389 million,” said Premier Marshall. 

Executive Dean of the Faculty of the Professions University Adelaide, Christopher Findlay thanked Port Adelaide and Premier Marshall for the study tour initiative. 

“The Professions at the University of Adelaide and the Port Adelaide Football Club have been working closely for some time and we are delighted to be involved in this partnership,” he said. 

“University of Adelaide looks forward to educating many more Chinese students in the future and welcomes the interest of all Power Footy participants across China.” 

Chief executive of ANS Tom Lashan says partnering the Power Footy program is a natural fit for his company after entering the China market. 

“ANS is delighted to support the Power Footy program and we look forward to a long-term relationship with Port Adelaide,” Mr Lashan said. 

“As a proud Australian company selling health products, we are excited with the prospect of working closely with the Port Adelaide in promoting Australian football in China.”