Enhancing the footy experience for students

Volume 11 Number 2 February 9 - March 8 2015

Melbourne Football Club players Tom McDonald (at left) and Jay Kennedy-Harris (centre) with student members of the Australia-China Youth Association (University of Melbourne Chapter) from left to right: Tim Blanch, Sid Jones, Beryl Yan and James Campbell. Photo: Matthew Goodrope.
Melbourne Football Club players Tom McDonald (at left) and Jay Kennedy-Harris (centre) with student members of the Australia-China Youth Association (University of Melbourne Chapter) from left to right: Tim Blanch, Sid Jones, Beryl Yan and James Campbell. Photo: Matthew Goodrope.

 

David Scott reports on an historic agreement for collaboration between Melbourne University Football Club, and the AFL Demons.

It’s been 100 years since the University Football Team – affectionately known simply as ‘University’ – withdrew from the VFL, at the time the premier Australian Rules football competition in the country. So it is timely that the University of Melbourne has engaged again with Australia’s top league, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Melbourne Football Club.

Both club and University hold an iconic place in the city’s history, with both organisations the oldest in their respective fields in Melbourne. It’s a connection both institutions are keen to build on to further enhance and promote a uniquely Melbourne experience.

“At the core of this partnership is our shared commitment to Melbourne the city,” says Professor Ian Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement).

“We are seeking ways in which we can enrich the experience of Melbourne, and in turn, look at how we can make this the best city in the world for students.”

The agreement between the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Football Club will initially focus on international student engagement, in a bid to make Aussie rules more accessible to the University’s more than 16,000-strong international student population.

“We are both borne from this city, our futures are tied to this place,” Professor Anderson says.

Both the club and the University agree that such an undertaking can only benefit the city more broadly, which in 2014 was ranked second behind Paris in the QS rankings for most student-friendly city.

“Football is one way to enrich the student experience, and we want to provide international students with an experience that will make their time in Melbourne truly memorable,” Professor Anderson says.

“Sport is integral to the life of the University and our contribution to our community, a part of our commitment to excellence in a holistic sense. With the Melbourne Football Club we have a common passion in supporting the development of a sport that is the heart and soul of the Australian experience in Melbourne.”

Melbourne Football Club CEO Peter Jackson indicated 2015 was about developing the Club’s long-term strategy and the new agreement reflects its future direction.

“We are the only AFL club that carries the name Melbourne, and we will take every opportunity to engage with, and celebrate the city that shares our name.

“The University of Melbourne is an excellent partner to explore opportunities to build deeper links, connections and activities with Melbourne that we hope provides benefits to both parties and enhances the city’s sporting and education capabilities. In many ways, it makes perfect sense to create a formal relationship between two iconic institutions that reflect Melbourne’s world-class qualities in education and sport.”

This new agreement builds on more than four years of work between the club and the University’s Indigenous Eye Health Unit, led by Professor Hugh Taylor.

Melbourne Football Club players have been official ambassadors for the Unit’s ‘clean faces, strong eyes’ anti-trachoma program since 2010.

The agreement also paves the way for future work together on research topics of mutual interest, and elite sporting opportunities for University of Melbourne students.

Director of Melbourne University Sport, Timothy Lee, says the agreement builds on the two organisations’ long history in Aussie Rules football. 

“The approach from the Melbourne Football Club is timely as 2015 marks the 100 year anniversary since University left the VFL, and a perfect fit historically, geographically and emotionally.

“University Football Club shared the MCG with the Melbourne Football Club during the VFL era and most of the University players not fighting in Europe or Gallipoli transferred across to the Melbourne Football Club including the great Roy Park and the famous Cordner brothers, including Brownlow Medallist Don Cordner.”

Mr Lee says the University, an Elite Athlete Friendly institution as verified by the Australian Sports Commission, was pleased to further its sporting credentials.

“The University is justifiably proud of the sporting achievements of its student athletes, teams and clubs. The link between sport and leadership is also well documented with many fine examples of our student athletes who become leaders in their chosen field, captains of industry and important community leaders.

“Current Melbourne Football Club players Jay Kennedy-Harris and Tom McDonald are both students at the University and the relationship with the Club will provide further opportunities to align both brands to promote the importance of education.”

www.sport.unimelb.edu.au

www.melbunifootball.com

 

www.melbournefc.com.au/