Student Experience

Through the Academy of Sport Business, students gain direct exposure to life inside a professional AFL club. Working across events, marketing, game day and community activations, participants build practical skills while contributing to real club initiatives.

The result is industry-ready graduates with the experience, connections and confidence to take the next step.

Join us on TikTok

Get a behind-the-scenes look at life inside the Academy - from game days and events to student takeovers and day-in-the-life content. Follow along @wceacademysportbusiness to see what it’s really like to learn and work inside a professional AFL club.

What our Students say

Denholm lends a hand to help run the Bachar Houli Foundation Cup

"My time at the West Coast Eagles Academy of Sports Business was an incredible opportunity to gain real-world experience. Learning within the club environment provided insights you simply can’t get in a classroom. The workplace learning component was a highlight—the chance to hear directly from professionals across all areas of the club, be involved in match days at Optus Stadium, assist behind the scenes at Eagles HQ, and see how everything comes together gave me a genuine understanding of the sports industry. I was fortunate to contribute to a wide range of initiatives, including the Bachar Houli Foundation Cup, wheelchair football, school clinics, AFLW match day operations, and the Naitanui Academy. Working with the partnerships team broadened my perspective on how diverse the sports business field really is. Since graduating, I’m proud to have joined the West Coast Eagles team. The Academy didn’t just provide knowledge—it offered hands-on experience, industry connections, and the confidence to take the next step in my career."

- Denholm Melrose, West Coast Eagles Academy of Sport Business Graduate

Mischa with Auzzie the Eagle during match day at Optus Stadium

"Reflecting on semester one, I’m grateful for the incredible opportunities to gain hands-on experience whether it was working in Premium Hospitality and Fan Zone on game days at Optus Stadium, assisting with community activations like Rick’s Rookie clinics and regional matches, or honing my videography and editing skills with the Eagles Women’s training sessions. I have also had the chance with other students to plan and present our ideas for themed rooms and premium member gift ideas to make the fans experience a memorable one for 2026 in Premium Hospitality. Those experiences gave me a front-row seat to the teamwork, planning, and passion that drive an elite sporting organisation."

- Mischa via LinkedIn

Zoe attends WA Football Clinics

"Over the school holidays, there were numerous clinics run throughout the community getting young children outside and involved in fun and engaging football activities. I attended clinics across 2 days run by WA Football in partnership with the Edmund Rice Centre WA. Regardless of the fact that most of the children have backgrounds in soccer and/or minimal football experience, they were completely immersed in the activities that were run by the coaches and undoubtedly had an amazing 2 days making new friends and learning the foundations of football. I can confidently say that community placement has been one of my favourite parts of the Diploma through the West Coast Eagles and ECU and I'm looking forward to what Semester 2 will bring."

- Zoe via LinkedIn

"It was an incredible honour to be part of a historic day for the City of Bunbury marking a major milestone for the AFL - Australian Football League, North Melbourne FC, the West Coast Eagles, and the city itself. The atmosphere was electric as the community came together to celebrate AFL football in the heart of the South West. The day not only showcased the talent and passion of both clubs but also highlighted Bunbury’s growing significance as a host for major sporting events and possibly bigger things in the future. Being involved in such a memorable occasion - where sport, community, and culture intersected—was truly special and something that will be remembered for years to come."

- Dylan via LinkedIn