Revolutionary new partnership provides sports focused young people with credit towards bachelor’s degree

ACPE

In a landmark partnership between Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), Football Coaches Australia (FCA) and XVenture, young people can now access and gain a credit towards a selection of ACPE Undergraduate Bachelors’ Degrees with the completion of a unique and immersive new virtual reality based program.

The FCA XV Essential Skills Program is made up of five modules covering Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Communication, Culture and Resilience. The program is delivered in a self-paced online-based virtual world campus, with over 100 subjects brought to life as videos, podcasts, articles, websites and interactive e-books. The modules cover universal themes and seamlessly integrate classic and contemporary models and thinking with each subject coloured with examples and cases from football, sport and business globally.

Successful completion of the FCA/ XVenture College Essential Skills Program will provide future ACPE students for specific credit of:

(1) an ACPE (Professional Communication) unit, within their Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Management),  Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning), or Bachelor of Health Promotion courses

(2) an ACPE (Leadership in Sports Business) unit within their Bachelor of Sports Business (Leadership)course.

Under the partnership (articulation) agreement, students who complete the FCAXV Essential Skills program are eligible for consideration into the outlined ACPE courses.

The program was created by XVenture Founder and CEO Mike Conway. XVenture are experts and innovators in the team, leadership and personal development space. Mike’s clinical training and expertise in all areas of emotional intelligence, resilience and leadership have seen him take the role of emotional agility and mind coach for a number of elite sporting athletes and teams. Most recently Mike worked with the Australian National Football team, Sydney FC, Perth Glory, WBBL Sixers, WBBL Thunder and Olympians. In the FCA XV Essential Skills Program, Mike also draws on his current and past experience as a leader and advisor for organisations such as EY, Deloitte, Standards Australia and The Wiggles.

This new arrangement is an extension of FCA’s partnership with ACPE which also provides internship opportunities for ACPE students to fulfil their ‘Work Integrated Learning’ requirements.

ACPE CEO, Debbie Le Roux stated: “This exciting partnership between like-minded organisations aligns with our strategic aspirations to have an impact on the social and educational wellbeing of the sporting community and to provide appropriate pathways into higher education for coaches, athletes, administrators and anyone who has a passion for sport and learning.  ACPE is home to many who are passionate about sport and who are at different stages of life or learning.  We are thrilled to be partnered with FCA and XVenture to facilitate an industry relevant, contemporary and high-quality pathway into higher education.”

Glenn Warry, CEO, Football Coaches Australia stated: “… A key strategy of FCA is to implement world leading benchmarks, programs and partnerships to enhance the best practice and high-performance capabilities of current and future Australian coaches. FCA is proud to partner with ACPE in supporting young students in this challenging world with learning environments and FCA XVenture ‘essential’ skills’ highly relevant to modern coaching. Aligning and integrating Australian football coach education and tertiary education pathways for coaches, players, administrators and other sport professionals, makes total sense.”

XVenture Founder and CEO, Mike Conway stated: “Having the opportunity to partner with an educational institution who is committed to providing young people with access to contemporary learning through collaboration [with industry] is a breath of fresh air. My team and I are passionate about developing accelerated experiential learning programs and utilizing the best and latest in technology to deliver these essential skills, which until recently have been seen as ‘soft’. In an ever-changing world, these skills are more critical than ever.”

About – ACPE, Football Coaches Australia and XVenture

Australian College of Physical Education

The Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) is a leading provider of specialist bachelor degrees and graduate diplomas in the related disciplines of sport, applied fitness, health science, community health, business, physical education and dance. Established in 1917, ACPE aims to connect motivated and well-equipped students with fulfilling careers in their chosen field. ACPE aspires to maintain an impeccable reputation as a knowledge hub that serves the industry and broader community through scholarly activity, innovation and education.  Recognised as an Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) by Sport Australia, ACPE is proud to support student athletes who strive for academic and sporting excellence – we provide the highest level of service to elite athletes.

Football Coaches Australia

For Coaches, By Coaches … promoting and strengthening the reputation of football in Australia, and the reputation of Australian football on the world stage. Founded in November, 2017 as an association, FCA provides a collective voice for Australian professional and community football coaches.

FCA aims to provide a holistic support model for coaches, with key pillars of Advocacy, Professional Development, Wellbeing and Gender Equity and Diversity.

XVenture

Founded by Mike Conway, XVenture are experts and innovators in the team, leadership and personal development space, with a track record that has taken them around the globe. They create and deliver accelerated experiential learning, recruitment and onboarding solutions combining cutting edge technology (including virtual reality), with learning and leadership expertise.

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UEFA and Coca-Cola Extend Collaboration Ahead of EURO 2028

UEFA has confirmed that Coca-Cola will once again serve as an official global sponsor for UEFA EURO 2028, marking the company’s 11th consecutive tournament. This partnership, which began in 1988, celebrates a 40-year milestone in one of European football’s longest-standing commercial relationships.

Under the renewed agreement, Coca-Cola will serve as the official non-alcoholic beverage sponsor of UEFA EURO 2028, set to take place across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The deal grants Coca-Cola exclusive pouring rights at all nine host stadiums, visibility in official fan zones and villages, LED pitch-side branding, as well as global digital rights and fan engagement initiatives.

40 Years Strong: Coca-Cola and UEFA Unite Fans Worldwide

UEFA’s Executive Director of Marketing, Guy-Laurent Epstein, highlighted the impact and longevity of the collaboration.

“Since 1988, Coca-Cola has been a proud supporter of the UEFA European Football Championship. Together, we have created lasting memories across generations. As we embark on our 11th consecutive tournament together, we look forward to delivering even more memorable experiences for supporters,” he said via press release.

Javier Meza, Marketing President for Coca-Cola Europe, described the renewed deal as a key element of the brand’s wider experience-focused marketing strategy.

“UEFA EURO 2028 will mark 40 years of Coca-Cola’s collaboration with UEFA. We will proudly refresh and inspire fans in stadiums, fan zones, and at home. This partnership supports our mission to bring people together, and we look forward to creating uplifting experiences that bring fans even closer to the action,” he said via press release.

Attendees will have access to a range of Coca-Cola beverages, including Coca-Cola, Powerade, water, and ready-to-drink coffee and fruit-based drinks, with options available in low-sugar and sugar-free varieties.

Coca-Cola has played a part in many of the tournament’s most memorable moments, from the 1988 finals in West Germany to recent editions featuring advanced digital activations.

The company will leverage its rights across retail, live events, digital platforms, and in-venue experiences, advancing from traditional stadium advertising to a multi-channel approach to engage consumers.

Macarthur Bulls Teams Up with DLK Advisory

Macarthur Bulls FC has confirmed a colloboration with DLK Advisory, who will come on board as a corporate partner backing the Club’s business and networking events for the coming two seasons.

DLK Advisory, known for its accounting and tax services across family groups, SMEs, government, not-for-profits, and major corporations, will support the Bulls’ expanding business network by enhancing the Club’s corporate events that connect sponsors, partners, and stakeholders throughout South West Sydney and beyond.

As a key element of the affiliation, DLK Advisory will team up with the Bulls’ commercial department to create quality networking experiences that reinforce relationships within the Club’s corporate network and spotlight the energetic, forward-thinking business community linked to the A-League.

Reflecting on the new alliance, David Lilja, Director of DLK Advisory, shared his excitement about the collaboration and the values both organisations bring to the deal.

“We are proud to partner with the Macarthur Bulls as they continue to inspire their supporters and the wider community,” he said via press release.

“This partnership provides a wonderful platform to introduce our refreshed brand, DLK Advisory – a firm built on trust and driven by excellence.

“We provide strategic accounting and tax solutions to a diverse range of clients, and like the Bulls, we are committed to performance, teamwork, and achieving outstanding results. We look forward to supporting the club’s success this season.”

Mark Jensen, Chief Commercial Officer of Macarthur Bulls FC, highlighted the value DLK Advisory will bring to the club’s growing corporate network.

“DLK Advisory are a fantastic addition to the Bulls family, their expertise will add real value to our corporate events program, ensuring our partners and stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to connect, share ideas, and grow together,” he said via press release.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering a first-class experience on and off the field.”

The accord with DLK Advisory opens new opportunities for the Bulls to connect with the business community, fostering innovation, growth, and shared success throughout the region.

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