Reds and Flinders forge new partnership

Crucial work placements ranging from exercise science and nutrition to business and marketing will be delivered for Flinders University students thanks to a valuable new partnership with Adelaide United Football Club.

In an agreement that will see Flinders University promoted as the brand name featured on Adelaide United playing shirts for the new A-League season – starting with the Reds playing against Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium, Hindmarsh, tonight (October 11) – the partnership will link the University’s research focus and student teaching outcomes with one of Australia’s elite sporting organisations.

“The agreement with Adelaide United will reinforce Flinders’ position at the forefront of exercise science research and for giving our students essential opportunities to work within leading clubs – to benefit from real world experience,” says Professor Murray Drummond, Director of the SHAPE Research Centre at Flinders University.

This partnership with Flinders will involve work integrated learning placements at Adelaide United for Exercise Science students and students across business, marketing, social media, events and/or videography, plus opportunities of placements for allied health specialists such as Physio and Paramedics, and nutrition exercise science.

“Students on work integrated learning placements will be assessed for academic merit – so this is academically rigorous and managed for both parties,” explains Professor Drummond.

As a significant additional benefit, the SHAPE Research Centre at Flinders will have access to Adelaide United players for elite level testing during the season, to further ongoing research projects across many academic fields, from psychology through to sport science and diet.

Professor Drummond is also pleased that the partnership will include involvement with the Adelaide United women’s team, which ties to Flinders’ strong research culture in women’s sports and advocacy of increased women’s participation in sport.

Executive Director Communication and Engagement Callista Thillou says teaming up with Adelaide United will further enable Flinders to deliver on its commitment to the community.

“Sport is pivotal to our health and wellbeing, is an important social connector, and is a significant economic driver. Our values of courage, integrity, innovation and excellence are reflected in this partnership which embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity.

“By partnering with AUFC, Flinders can make advances that will benefit not just Adelaide United’s performance and profile but, as research shows, provide positive health effects for both the individuals, and our Adelaide community.

“In fact, this partnership has its foundation in community engagement and has global implications, considering the opportunity for integration into Adelaide United’s blossoming China program through its sister club Qingdao Red Lions FC.

“It all adds up to how Flinders University can contribute more to a positive, active and healthy society,” Ms Thillou says.

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College of Education, Psychology and Social Work