Maribyrnong Sports Academy and Maribyrnong College have joined AFL Victoria in creating the state’s first high-performance AFL school.
Sport director Rob Carroll says the partnership adds value to existing partnerships with the Western Bulldogs, the Victorian Institute of Sport and Victoria University.
In a joint decision, Maribyrnong Sports Academy, AFL Victoria and the Western Jets have appointed Jets TAC Cup coach Torin Baker to a full-time position that means he will spend considerable time with student athletes on the AFL talent pathway.
Torin is the latest addition to the Sports Academy coaching staff, joining former AFL players Leon Harris, Scott Lucas and Jordan Russell. They are supported in AFL coaching science by Dr Jason Berry from the academy and Victoria University, as well as teachers and support staff from the college.
The Sports Academy is aiming to strategically recruit draft-potential AFL talent to its programs in years 9 to 12. It offers unique and flexible academic support to VCE level, in addition to supervised strength, conditioning and rehabilitation programs.
Student athletes have access to daily physiotherapy assessments and are supported by a wide range of sport science, sports medicine, sports psychology, sports nutrition and leadership opportunities to enhance their football development.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy is developing an impressive track record in supporting aspiring AFL talent with world-class facilities and an athlete-friendly academic environment to assist students in balancing the demands of their sport with their studies and personal development.
Five current and former student athletes are involved with AFL clubs, including Kayne Turner (North Melbourne Kangaroos), Peter Wright (Gold Coast Suns), Dillon Viojo-Rainbow (Carlton), Touk Miller (Gold Coast Suns) and Rory Atkins (Adelaide). Many other AFL student athletes at the academy have made Victorian or Australian teams.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy was founded in 2006 with 62 athletes across five sports. It now has 540 athletes across 12 sports.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy (at Maribyrnong College), River Street, Maribyrnong. Inquiries: 9091 8150 or
www.maribsc.vic.edu.au
