Three-way global alliance set to take Australian football coaches and analysts to a new level

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Image provided by Football Coaches Australia

A new global partnership designed to take Australian football coaches and analysts to a new level of excellence was jointly announced today. Global Institute of Sport (GIS), Football Coaches Australia (FCA) and cutting-edge experiential learning firm XVenture have joined forces to provide unique opportunities for Australian football coaches and analysts to improve and accelerate their careers both here and abroad. Central to this collaboration is that upon completion of the immersive virtual reality based FCA XV Essential Skills Program, motivated Australian coaches and analysts can now be considered for entry into GIS’ pioneering MSc Football Coaching & Analysis Master’s degree. 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, other sports and business globally.

This course aligns well with the themes of the MSc Football Coaching & Analysis Master’s program, which is also delivered in GIS’ inspirational campuses in the UK and US, which have Wembley, Etihad and DRZ PNK stadiums at their heart.

Brand new from January 2023, Australian coaching students will be able to study with GIS online with immersive face-to-face residentials once per year in Melbourne, including at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. In addition, GIS, FCA and XVenture have pledged to provide mutual guest speaker, placement and study tour opportunities for coaches to learn from their combined network of global football industry leaders.

Previous GIS guest speakers have included Harry Kewell, Gareth Southgate, Steven Gerrard and Hope Powell.

Glenn Warry, CEO of Football Coaches Australia, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Global Institute of Sport to provide enhanced progression opportunities for Australian football coaches and analysts. Aligning and integrating Australian football coach education and tertiary education pathways for coaches and other sports professionals is an important part of our strategy to enhance best practice, networking and high-performance capabilities of current and future Australian coaches. The future opportunity of partnering with GIS and XVenture to presenting high-performance coaching programs at world-class stadiums is exciting for all.”

The author of the FCA XV Essential Skills Program, XVenture Founder and CEO, Mike Conway, stated: “Having the opportunity to partner with a global sports education provider who is committed to providing best-in-class learning opportunities is fantastic. My team and I are passionate about developing accelerated experiential learning programs and we’re looking forward to working with GIS academics and students.” Mike is currently also working as the emotional agility and mind coach for the Australian National Football team, the Birmingham Phoenix Women’s team and the Adelaide 36ers NBL team.

Sharona Friedman, GIS President, added: “The aim of this partnership is to create an environment that helps to provide better and increased opportunities for Australian coaches, not just domestically but also globally. On top of this, it will also facilitate enhanced learning and career opportunities for GIS students studying on campus in the UK and online across the globe.”

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GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is giving students new opportunities to build careers in Australia’s growing sports industry. Combining academic study with direct access to sporting organisations, venues and industry professionals. Based at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, GIS Sydney places students at the heart of Australia’s sporting landscape. The campus gives students the chance to study while surrounded by major sporting organisations and events, creating a direct connection between education and the industry they hope to join.

Students also benefit from regular access to experienced sports professionals. More than 50 guest speakers have shared their expertise with GIS students, including representatives from FIFA, Red Bull, Cricket Australia and the AFL. These sessions give students a valuable insight into the different roles and career pathways available across the sports sector. GIS Sydney delivers programs including Sports Analytics and International Sports Business in partnership with the University of Newcastle. The courses combine academic learning with opportunities for students to develop practical skills that they can take into the workplace.

Industry experience forms another important part of the student journey. GIS provides students with 140 hours of relevant work experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Students have secured placements with organisations including the Professional Football Scouts Association, Football Coaches Australia and Basketball NSW.

GIS also works with Yakka Sport to create paid employment opportunities for students while they study. This allows students to gain workplace experience while developing professional networks within the sporting community. The opportunities extend internationally, with GIS Global Sports Summits giving students access to sporting organisations and venues in destinations including London and Miami.

For students pursuing careers in sport, GIS Sydney is creating a pathway that combines education, practical experience and industry connections. By bringing students closer to the people and organisations shaping the sector, GIS is helping the next generation turn their interest in sport into professional opportunities.

Focus Construct moves to front of shirt as Brisbane Roar partnership grows

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Image Credit: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar has expanded its relationship with Queensland construction company Focus Construct, with the business moving from sleeve sponsor to major partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.

Focus Construct joined the Roar ahead of the previous campaign as a Platinum Partner, with its branding appearing on the sleeves of the club’s home, away and third kits

The new agreement moves the company into the most prominent commercial position on all three men’s playing jerseys, giving the partnership a significantly larger matchday and broadcast footprint.

Roar CEO and Chairman Kaz Patafta said the expanded partnership reflected Focus Construct’s continued commitment to the club.

“Twelve months later they’ve backed that up by taking the most visible spot we have, and it tells our members and fans a lot about where this club is heading,” Patafta said.

Focus Construct CEO Todd Dunlop said the company were keen to continue supporting a club which that has a strong presence within the Queensland local footballing community.

“We wanted to show our support for a true Queensland sporting club, one with deep community roots and real pathways for local talent to succeed on the world stage,” Dunlop said.

The Bowen Hills-based construction business works across sectors including hospitality, education, sporting venues, government, community facilities and commercial developments.

The partnership also creates a natural connection between the two organisations’ involvement in Queensland infrastructure and sport, with Focus Construct having previously highlighted its interest in supporting the Roar’s development both on and off the field.

The deal gives the Roar another example of a commercial partnership growing in value over time, while providing Focus Construct with a larger platform across the club’s domestic campaign.

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