PORT ADELAIDE has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of South Australia and two sports science institutions in China.

The strategic collaboration agreement between Port Adelaide, UniSA, Shandong Sports University and the Shandong Research Centre of Sports Science will open up opportunities to develop world-leading sports science research for all parties through collaborations in teaching, research, education, experiential learning and placement opportunities.

It is the second significant partnership announced by Port Adelaide today following an earlier announcement tying Xi'an based-company MJK to the Power as their coaches sponsor until the end of 2020.

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas says the new agreement will have significant benefits for the high performance program at Alberton Oval.

“The AFL is world renowned for its excellence in sports science and at Port Adelaide we are very proud of the quality of our high performance team,” Mr Thomas said.

“This new partnership with UNISA, Shandong Sports University, and Shandong Institute of Sport Science brings together four parties who share a vision of being at the forefront of the development and application of sports science.

“We all operate in a fiercely competitive environment. To remain at the leading edge of this industry we must continue to invest in research, development, technology, education and people.

“We believe this exciting international collaboration will enable us to achieve our goals.”

The University of South Australia's Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences Professor Robert Vink also praised the new partnership.

"The agreement we are signing has immediate and long term goals but will sure up some great opportunities for collaboration with two of the best sports science educators in China in the SRCSS and SSU,” Professor Vink said. 

“This initiative builds on our already strong relationship with Port Adelaide and opens up new opportunities to grow expertise in elite coaching and athlete training and the science that supports elite sports performance, from exercise physiology and dietetics, through to physiotherapy and sports psychology.

“We are really delighted to be working with Port Adelaide to build international research and teaching links with China and provide a sports science engagement with China that is complementary to the Australian Football League’s strategy and investment in Australian Rules football and competition there.”

Port Adelaide plays Gold Coast at Jiangwan Stadium on Sunday 14 May at 1.15pm CZT/2.45pm ACST.

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