The West Coast Eagles has seen many football success stories pass through its doors over the years and now the club is seeing a different type of success.

The club is proud to see the partnership between Central TAFE, the Western Australian Football Commission and the West Coast Eagles head into its second year.

Central TAFE is once again offering students the chance to obtain their Certificate IV in Sport (Development) with the benefit of being involved in the college’s Athlete Development Centre, learning skills and acquiring knowledge from Western Australia’s premier AFL sporting organisations.

TAFE student Jason Parker is just one example of a student taking on this amazing opportunity. He is currently rubbing shoulders with West Coast Eagles sports science staff in the club’s inner sanctum and gaining an important insight into the industry.

“I didn’t really know where I wanted my qualification to take me, but involvement in the athlete development centre has opened my eyes and opened doors to a whole world of possibilities,” said Jason.

“This is only my first day, so today I was just running water at Eagles training, but as I progress I will be working in more challenging fields.

“I will get the opportunity to have hands-on experience with various sports science technologies, and a better understanding of human movement as well as injury prevention,” said Jason.

Jason took the opportunity to become involved with the West Coast Eagles whilst completing his Certificate IV in Sport (Development) and Athlete Support Service at the Leederville campus.

This has provided Jason with the opportunity to work in a sport of interest as he has played AFL since he was involved with Auskick as a child.

“It’s fair to say that I am learning a lot and the hands-on experience beats sitting in a classroom all day.”

Jason has been working under Jim Western who is the senior trainer and aquatic technician at West Coast and he says that the partnership showcases the many facets of an elite football club.

“It encourages people who don’t have the playing skills but share the passion for AFL footy to seek a career in one of the many divisions of the organisation,” said Jim.

“It’s a huge opportunity for clubs within the WAFC to have a pool of young people to recruit for our future.”

West Coast’s schools program co-ordinator Kim Hannah says the partnership was benefitting all parties.

“This is a great opportunity for students to take their passion for sport to another level and gain recognised certification.”

Central TAFE is now taking inquiries for the 2010 course. Please contact Dave Evans on 9202 4920 or dave.evans@central.wa.edu.au