Football Federation SA in partnership with the Australian College of Sport (ACS) is pleased to announce a high performance program that will prepare South Australian athletes for professional sport.

The Football Program, to be located at Elite Systems Football Centre will see athletes enter as school leavers and exit with the experience of professional athletes and two nationally accredited Diplomas in Sport Development and Management and Leadership.

The Program will be headed up by Pro Diploma Coach, Phil Stubbins who has a wealth of experience in managing elite athletes. Phil will commence his role with Football Federation SA effective immediately.

“I am excited to get underway in this new role that will offer young athletes a unique opportunity to further develop their skills in a full time environment.

“One of the many strengths of this program is that an education outcome will be achieved by students” Director of Coaching Phil Stubbins said.

The ACS Diploma is part of a formal pathway with the Deakin University for ACS graduates to attain Bachelor qualifications in Sport Management and Sport Development.

ACS CEO, Stuart Roberts is excited to roll the program out in South Australia in partnership with Football Federation SA.

“This partnership is lead by a collective passion from both organisations to offer the very best in athlete development through nationally accredited qualifications.

“It is exciting news for aspiring football professionals in this State, and will resonate positively with many stakeholder groups including parents of athletes, Clubs, industry participants and higher education institutions.”

The Football Program will deliver technical, physical, mental and tactical training along with being complimented by sport science, personal development, sport management and practical business theory that will provide students with the ultimate experience in professional athlete training for football on the world stage.

Football Federation SA Chief Executive Officer Michael Carter stated that the launch of the Football Program will have a significant impact on the continued development of players in South Australia.

“This program presents an opportunity for young school leavers who aspire to become a professional athlete.

“To train in a full time environment and gain formal diploma qualifications in sport management is a unique opportunity for young athletes.

“I am delighted to have appointed Phil to the Director of Coaching role and we will build a strong team of quality coaches around him that will support the development of players in the program.”

Football Federation SA will advertise for a full time High Performance Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach to support Stubbins.

Student intake for the inaugural Diploma Program in 2016 will commence in February with female intake commencing post 2016.

For further information contact Football Federation SA on 8340 3088 or to register your interest in the Football Program click HERE