Football Federation South Australia (FFSA) is thrilled to announce collaboration with Arsenal Football Club and their community programs, which will see some of the State’s footballers exposed to life inside a sporting organisation with a world-renowned reputation.

As part of an existing partnership with the Australian College of Sport (ACS), FFSA, in conjunction with Arsenal, are able to offer the opportunity for four students to travel to London in August 2017, as part of the Arsenal Gap Program.

Two female players will also be given the opportunity to travel with these four students as part of the programme.

The Gap period in the UK will include training and development opportunities under the tutelage of Arsenal staff as well as receiving coaching qualifications.

Students will then work in the local community before moving abroad on an overseas placement.

A video documenting the experience Gap Program participants have had, can be found here.

When Arsenal last visited Adelaide in December 2015, the Head of Arsenal in the Community, Alan Sefton (MBE), conducted Arsenal’s Double Club Program with the support of FFSA.

This collaboration is an indication of a growing relationship between Arsenal and the FFSA through Alan’s generosity in his time and involvement.

Alan, has led Arsenal’s Community Department since 1986 and received his MBE for “Services to Education and to Young People in the UK and abroad”.

“I am delighted to be expanding our links with FFSA and their Game Development team, the ‘Doubles Club’ Program has been a success in South Australia and I am confident that the ‘Gap’ Program’ will be received equally as well,” said Alan.

FFSA Chief Executive, Michael Carter, says the opportunity to be linked with an international brand will no doubt elevate the status of football in South Australia.

“The collaboration with Arsenal Football Club provides a unique opportunity to our male and female football players in South Australia,” said Michael.

“This further illustrates Football’s ability to open up opportunities abroad. Young players in the State will have a life changing opportunity with this program. We thank Arsenal Football Club for this outstanding opportunity.”

Additionally, ACS is delighted to also advise its new association with the University of SA, through a formal articulation arrangement allowing ACS graduates automatic credit transfer into their Degree in Business [Sport and Recreation Management] or Degree in Business [Management].

Finally, thanks to a recent injection of funding from the State Government of South Australia, FFSA has been awarded $10 million to invest in the construction of seven artificial pitches throughout the State.

Works have recently commenced at the Parks Football Centre that will see the construction of a second artificial playing surface; catering for future expansion of the ACS Football Program in 2017 and beyond.

For more information on the ACS Football Program, visit their website or call 1300 859 880.