Football South Australia and Flinders University have kicked-off a new partnership aimed at strengthening youth sport in South Australia and supporting Football SA’s growing community.
Led by Flinders’ College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, the university will be the major sponsor, and naming rights partner for the Football SA Pathway Programs.
Football SA Pathway Programs provide multiple entry points for players aged 9-16 years old showing potential across the state.
The new partnership will see the university running community engagements with players and their families at Football SA’s development centres.
The development centres host FSA's foundation entry program for club-based players who are like-minded and have a desire to train and play football more often. The ten development centres are located in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Gawler, Fleurieu Peninsula, Limestone Coast, Metro, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Riverland, and Whyalla.
Players train once a week in addition to their own club training and games, and then have the opportunity to progress into the full-time Football SA/Football Australia Academy, and the potential to further progress to Adelaide United.
Football South Australia CEO, Michael Carter expressed his excitement about the new partnership:
“Flinders University have a reputation as one of the leading tertiary education institutions in the country and we are delighted to partner with them. We are constantly looking at ways to provide well rounded programs and opening the door to tertiary opportunities to players within the state will add to the experience of boys and girls within the pathway programs. We look forward to seeing the partnership flourish in years to come.”
Vice-President and Executive Dean, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Professor Deborah West said this new partnership will drive education opportunities for communities through sport.
“We know that education is a powerful force for change and this partnership is making a positive social impact that supports youth in the South Australian community through our innovative education initiatives. We’re delighted to be collaborating with Football SA to provide career-oriented entry pathways and educational opportunities in South Australia. This partnership demonstrates Flinders commitment to bolstering educational outcomes through the combination of sport and community programs and we look forward to working with Football SA.”
As part of the partnership, the university’s logo will be proudly displayed on screens at ServiceFM Stadium and RAA NPL and Apex Steel WNPL matches. It will also be displayed on the front shirts of the Football SA full-time programs for boys and girls aged 12 to 16.
