CARLTON Football Club, in partnership with La Trobe University, has today proudly launched the Carlton College of Sport – a unique learning program offering a Higher Education Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development.

To be based at Ikon Park, the Blues’ iconic Richard Pratt Stand will be transformed into an education hub, as an exclusive number of tertiary students gain valuable hands-on experience within Carlton’s elite sporting environment.

In collaboration with La Trobe – Australia’s leading university for sport – the 12-month course will cover an extensive range of disciplines, including sports and exercise science, management, talent identification, and sports marketing.

With access to elite athletes, coaches, high performance staff and mentors, the program allows students to immerse themselves in the Club and obtain exclusive insights to events, community activations, facility operations, fan engagement and match-day protocols.

Applications for the exclusive positions will commence today, with the first group of successful candidates beginning the course in March 2019.

CEO Cain Liddle said he was delighted to collaborate with one of Australia’s leading universities in La Trobe to create this unique opportunity for students.

“We are thrilled to broaden our existing partnership with La Trobe University to deliver this innovative program to passionate students who want to further their education across the sports industry in Australia,” Liddle said.

“Since signing as a partner in 2016, La Trobe University has been a wonderful supporter of both our AFL and AFLW teams and we’re extremely proud this relationship has grown to establish the Carlton College of Sport.

“The unique program will allow students to study for a Higher Education Diploma, here at Ikon Park, where they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in practical work experience within an elite sports environment, to give them the best chance of securing employment in the sport industry. The course also has a strong strength and conditioning component where students will apply their class room learnings in a fully equipped gym facility on site at Carlton Football Club.

“The Club has also created a new administration role for the project, and will employ a full-time Education Training Manager as a further show of our commitment to the development of this unique learning program.

“Applications are being taken immediately and with spaces limited, I would encourage anyone who’s interested to visit the Carlton College of Sport website for more details. I can’t wait to see the first batch of students walk through the gates of Ikon Park next year.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Development) and Director of La Trobe Sport at La Trobe University Russell Hoye, reiterated Liddle’s sentiments.

“La Trobe University is proud to partner with one of Australia’s best professional sporting clubs to deliver this innovative education experience,” Hoye said.

“Combining the world class expertise of the Carlton Football Club in all aspects of sport management, coaching and talent development, with our leading teaching and research staff in sport science, will provide unique opportunities for students in the course as well as a range of pathways for graduates of the program to future employment or further study at university.”

Students will be eligible to access the government’s FEE-HELP scheme to support the payment of the course fees.

For more information visit the official Carlton College of Sport website.