Our AFL Academy takes talented young players and gives them an enviable opportunity to access excellent sporting facilities, accredited coaches and a comprehensive Australian Rules Football and academic educational experience.

In Term 2 each year we welcome applications from students entering Year 7 for acceptance into our AFL Academy. We also invite applications for our scholarship program. Successful applicants for a scholarship will not be required to pay the voluntary contribution and charges for Year 7 and ongoing eligibility in Years 8, 9 and 10 is subject to the maintenance of high standards of achievement and commitment to the Academy guidelines. Students already offered positions in specialist programs are eligible to apply.

The AFL Academy has an emphasis on developing each individual using football as a vehicle to achieve success. By being enrolled into the program, students have already demonstrated a passion for AFL. This passion is enhanced through a rigorous and engaging curriculum that covers all aspects of AFL; including skill development, umpiring, coaching and administration.

All participants are encouraged to set themselves goals at the beginning of each year. Through regular interviews, both individually and with parent involvement, we establish if development has been made towards these goals. Program participants receive guidance from Level 2 AFL Coaches, as well as expert guidance from East Fremantle Football Club, the WA Football Commission and the two West Australian AFL teams.

They also have access to excellent training facilities; including weights rooms and boxing and cardio equipment. Technology also plays a major role in the program, with all students being provided access to technology that will further their development. The program compliments the work students are doing with their clubs and district football, with College coaches liaising with club and district coaches regularly to discuss students’ development. The program also provides pathways for students to represent the college as State representatives. The major emphasis will be development of individual and game skills.

COACHING STAFF
The program is delivered by experienced teacher coaches who are accredited and dedicated to Cecil Andrews College. Their roles also involve liaising with regional Australian Rules Football development officers who are linked to the WAFL clubs, in particular East Fremantle Football Club, as well as working with the West Australian Football Commission.

All coaches have a range of teaching and coaching experience, which will enable them to work with all students to allow them to reach their goals. Through the links we have formed with external agencies, coaching and information sessions will be run by current WAFL players and staff from East Fremantle Football Club.

Where possible, we will also engage the services offered by both the Fremantle Football Club and the West Coast Eagles.

Other staff throughout the Cecil Andrews Community also involve themselves with the AFL Academy by attending and volunteering at many games, and helping in a variety of ways, attending functions and assisting with various fundraising activities.

The AFL Academy at Cecil Andrews involves itself heavily with all aspects of the students’ schooling, in addition to the wider community.

COMMUNITY LINKS
We have developed a strong community link with our local primary schools and through our relationship with East Fremantle Football Club (EFFC) we have been able to provide opportunities for leadership, access to first class facilities and pathways into future careers in sport and football.

A variety of clinics, coaching and information sessions are run throughout the year by players and staff from EFFC. The Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC) also provides resources and links to funding and competitions. Where possible, we also participate in educational outreach programs offered by both the Fremantle Football Club and the West Coast Eagles. Our AFL Academy students pride themselves on their active involvement across the college and wider community.

COURSEWORK
The AFL Academy is delivered throughout the week with an allocated 6 periods of contact time plus out-of-school training and coaching requirements. Time will be spent in a classroom in addition to utilising using the gym, oval and weights room.

A major focus of the program is on skill development, which is achieved through a safe and positive environment. In addition to skill development, each year group will have a different theoretical focus:
The Year 7 Health Curriculum, Year 8 Health Curriculum, Year 9 Physical Education Studies and the Year 10 Physical Education Studies.