Flinders University students will benefit from a string of opportunities linked to the renewal of the partnership with South Adelaide Football Club (SAFC) for a further two years.
Entering its eighth year, the partnership continues to provide real-world work experience opportunities for students studying business, marketing, finance, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, education, and tourism and event degrees.
Benefits for SAFC include access to the latest thinking and methodologies in a range of areas, including physical education and nutrition, through research student placements.
Flinders and SAFC’s mutual dedication to excellence and innovation have helped strengthen their community-based activities within the southern Adelaide region and offered significant benefits for each party.
These include SAFC’s Young Panthers receiving a taste of AFL Draft Camp conditions during Flinders Sport, Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Research Centre’s yearly AFL Draft Camp two-day training program.
Each year the camp provides access to elite fitness testing, skill analysis technology, coaching and education normally only available to elite footballers.
Underpinned by a multidisciplinary approach, the program introduces young footballers to an elite football lifestyle, while also encouraging them to think about life beyond football.
Additional activities include South Adelaide CEO Neill Sharpe speaking about leadership as a guest presenter at an industry event at Flinders University held for Business degree students last year titled “Make your Next Career Move”.
Panthers star player Tom Fields, currently studying a Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity (B.SHAPA), says the partnership had wide-ranging positive impacts.
“It’s been great studying at Flinders knowing that we have this great partnership that works together to help the community,” he says.
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) graduate Jonathon Parker, meanwhile, has just scored the role of Marketing and Administration Officer with the Panthers.
His all-round skill-set, qualifications and proficiency will be a valuable asset as he oversees SAFC administration duties and assists with marketing, memberships, merchandise, match day promotions, as well as events and sponsorship.
SAFC CEO Neill Sharpe says continuing the partnership with Flinders University was significant outcome for the Club.
“Flinders University have truly been an outstanding partner since the relationship first formed in 2010,” he says.
“Through this connection they have provided a number of our players with a great education opportunity and in turn we’ve been able to provide students with the chance to gain invaluable experience in an elite sporting program.”
Callista Thillou, Executive Director of Flinders University’s Office of Communication and Engagement, said the partnership was all about having an impact on South Australians.
“Developing meaningful relationships such as our partnership with South Adelaide Football Club is all about making a difference in our communities,” she says.