THE Port Adelaide Football Club has a starring role in a new international recruiting push.
The Power’s highly successful efforts to introduce overseas students to AFL are the subject of a short film that will be aired around the world to promote Adelaide as an education destination.
The video is one of a series made by Adelaide-based Spirit Films on behalf of Education Adelaide, the peak marketing body for international education in South Australia.
It captures the unique experience of a night at the footy watching Port Adelaide compete on the national stage in the elite Aussie Rules competition.
The Power’s International Students Program was established two years ago, and gives up to 250 foreign students an opportunity to see Port Adelaide’s home games at AAMI Stadium.
Power Community Limited Manager Darren Adamson says the partnership with Education Adelaide has been critical to ensure that all universities, TAFEs and colleges with International students are involved.
"Funding from Multicultural SA has allowed us to provide welcome packs to all students attending the footy and provide a BBQ at the game,” Mr Adamson said. “We’ve also taken them on tours of our club at Alberton.”
“Even our ‘Outer Army’ supporters group gets involved with the students, and does a remarkable job cooking the BBQ every game and satisfying the different dietary requirements of the students".
The film features Port Adelaide’s Community Development Coordinator Natascia Crisci who explains the program and how participants share in the game day experience. “We aim to give students a chance to be part of the community and a part of our football family,” Natascia says.
It also stars Dhenesh Subu, a PhD student at the University of South Australia, who became a Power Ambassador after experiencing his first game.
“I’ve met a lot of friends by going to the footy matches. You never know who you’re going to be meeting,” Dhenesh said.
“It’s really good to have a common point at the game and it’s really good to have something in common apart from studies.”
Education Adelaide Chairman Bill Spurr said the films - made by made by Spirit Films Director, Roh Smith, and Director of Photography, Nima Nabili-Rad - reinforce Adelaide’s reputation as one of the world’s premier learning cities.
“Roh and Nima have captured the beauty of Adelaide and the ease in which South Australians form meaningful relationships with international students in a way that will engage large and diverse international audiences,” Mr Spurr said.
Mr Adamson said Port Adelaide was proud to be involved in the film and Education Adelaide’s initiative.
"I think it highlights how the game of AFL is uniquely Australian and a great way to welcome new people into the country,” Mr Adamson said.
