Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce a five-year strategic partnership agreement with Victoria University, Australia’s leading sports university.
The exciting new collaboration will see Victoria University (VU) provide sports science and performance support for Melbourne Victory Academy programs, along with a range of unique learning experiences for current and prospective VU students.
Extensive work is continuing to finalise the Melbourne Victory Academy, which will focus on delivering the best football coaching education for talented male and female youth through elite coaching, physical performance and welfare support.
The partnership with VU will allow its students in Master of Sports Science (Football Performance) and Master of Sport Business and Integrity the opportunity to participate in internships, and undergraduate students in sports science, coaching and sport management to undertake student placements as part of Victory’s sports science and performance program.
Students will learn from the best in an elite sporting environment and finish their courses with industry contacts and be career ready.
The partnership will kick off immediately with VU’s Head of Academy Performance and Sport Science, Dr Fabio Serpiello, joining Victory’s recently appointed Academy Director, Paulo Cardoso, to head up the sports science and performance program.
“We are thrilled to be working with Australia’s leading sports university for the next five years, and we’re looking forward to building a strong and sustainable partnership with Victoria University,” said Victory CEO Ian Robson.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with the enormous body of work we are undertaking to establish the Melbourne Victory Academy, as well as other already established programs in our Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League programs.
“We will truly benefit from the access to Victoria University’s coaching, sports science and high-performance programs, and we’re pleased to be able to offer VU’s students an opportunity to experience working in an elite sporting organisation.”
VU’s Professor Hans Westerbeek, PVC (Associate) – Sport Strategy and Dean of the College of Sport and Exercise Science, said the exciting partnership will offer talented junior players a development pathway as part of an elite sporting environment that is underpinned by evidence-based sports science and performance support.
“It exposes our students to real life opportunities working with the biggest football club in Australia,” said Professor Westerbeek.
VU already has a diverse range of local and international collaborations with leading sports organisations including the Western Bulldogs’ AFL, AFLW and VFL teams, the Melbourne Vixens Netball Club, Tennis Australia, Swimming Australia and the Real Madrid Foundation.
