We take AFL and education seriously, why else would we have built an Academy for it!? We have designed the course and space as closely to an AFL club environment as possible. So while there will be chances for fun, we run a structured and disciplined course that constantly pushes and drives students to reach their best potential.
Our research with AFL coaches suggests that players arriving at the club aren’t as technically sound or durable at the start of their careers. Traditionally, players cruise through development at 16 & 17 and then all of a sudden have a lot of pressure and intensity at the age of 18 which can cause injury and stress on the body. The Academy uses fitness testing equipment that is commonly utilised in an AFL setting and develops a program to build strength and intensity gradually over the two-year period to ensure they are at peak physical fitness at drafting age.
The curriculum has been designed with AFL Industry experts and uses a range of current policies, procedures and education programs currently in the AFL system to educate students and contextualise their learning experience.
No, once we receive permission from the student and their parent or guardian, we aim to share information with the students NAB League or another team to collaborate information and progress with them so they are informed about the player’s performance. The Academy is here to strengthen and improve player’s performance throughout their time with the Academy.
No. The Academy has limited spaces and will only invite a selected amount to enrol.
Upon successful completion of assessments in year one, your child will complete the Intermediate Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning.
Upon successful completion of assessments in year two, your child will complete the Senior Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning.
*Qualifications are not guaranteed. Your child must submit their assessments according to the module requirements and meet the relevant criteria.
*Students meeting the qualification award requirements receive their qualification from our partner training provider Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE RTO 3094
Enrolments will cap at 25 per intake, allowing us to have the best student-teacher ratio to ensure each student has enough attention to thrive. Your child will never be just another number, we don’t want just to educate and improve their athletic ability, we want to help them to be better people in our community.
No. This is a full-time education program.
The Academy Strength and Conditioning program involves a movement screen to assess athletic movement and prescribe individual exercises to minimise the risk of injury.
Fatigue and overload is a common occurrence for 16-19-year-olds who are pursuing their sporting dreams. The old adage of doing more to get better isn’t necessarily true. To prevent both physical and mental burnout, the Academy students will monitor their GPS results to manage their training loads and fill out regular wellness questionnaires to give the student and teacher a constant overall picture of their well-being.
Fitness test will be the standard fitness tests used at the AFL combine… These include.
The fitness tests will be used to compare the students against AFL combine norms and to track progression throughout the year. Each student will create their own Athletic passport to display their performance capabilities for years to come.
No. Our fitness program will not see the use of supplements. Students will be encouraged to engage in a healthy relationship with nutrition. Any supplement use is at the discretion of parent or guardian and should be overseen by your local GP.
There are multiple travel options for students needing transport from regional areas.
We currently do not have boarding facilities, however, we can facilitate conversations to assist with finding relocation options.
Please visit our Locations Page for campus specific travel & relocation FAQ sheets.
The Academy partner with GOTAFE to recruit new students to complete their VCAL. GOTAFE enrol students, who attend the Academy campus to complete their Certificate. Using The Academy’s learning and assessment material, GOTAFE trainers provide students with VCAL and VET training and assessment, issuing nationally accredited certification on successful completion.
This only applies to Essendon & Wangaratta students.
See the GOTAFE Student Handbook
This only applies to Essendon & Wangaratta students.
See the GOTAFE’S fee’s page
This only applies to Essendon & Wangaratta students.
Provide feedback or make a complaint by visiting feedback page
This only applies to Essendon & Wangaratta students.
