Central TAFE has teamed up with Western Australia’s premier sporting codes to offer students an exciting new way to combine their sporting talent with formal qualifications in 2009.
The College is working with the West Coast Eagles, WA Football Commission, Football West, Rugby WA and Netball WA to develop a training package which offers students a chance to improve their skills while working alongside the State's top coaches.
Students enrol in the Certificate IV in Sport (Development) at Central TAFE’s Leederville campus and are then released from their formal studies to pursue their interest in their chosen sport.
The concept for the athlete development program is based on a model of similar schemes used in the United Kingdom.
Sport and recreation lecturer Dave Evans says the first partnership was launched this year with Football West.
“The course was embraced by students and the sporting body. We’re going to continue this successful relationship in 2009 and expand it to include three more sporting codes,” he said.
Managing Director of Central TAFE Neil Fernandes said the expanding courses combined both practical and formal training.
“Students get to develop both their sporting and educational potential. Our courses allow talented athletes to combine the physical rigors of physical training with their studies”, he said.
“Building these partnerships enables dedicated, young sports people to pursue their passion through the athlete development centre at our Leederville campus and access direct contact with the governing body of their sport."
The partnerships are good news for the sporting bodies too, as they reduce the drop-out rate for the sport, provide an academic pathway for future players and students can be utilised in field placement or ultimately as employees.
Kim Hannah, West Coast Eagles schools program officer, said the partnership would produce benefits for all parties involved, particularly the students.
“This is a great opportunity for students to take their passion for footy to another level and gain recognised certification."
“We look forward to sharing our knowledge with the students and getting them involved with the club,” Kim said.
Applications for Certificate IV in Sport (Development) are currently being taken. For more information call Dave Evans at Central TAFE on 9202 4920.