Elite Athlete University Forum
Every second year the National Athlete Career and Education (ACE) program runs a two day forum for the network of universities, professional player associations and the National Institute Network ACE programs who participate in the Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) program. The forums are a combination of professional development, workshops, guest speakers and networking events, all aimed at strengthening the program to assist elite athletes combine their sporting and academic aspirations.
The 2011 EAFU forum was held at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) in Sydney from the 26th-27th October. This was the largest forum ever held in its 6 year history with 58 delegates from 31 of the 38 participating universities, including 1 from New Zealand, 3 professional player associations and 6 state ACE programs.
The forum's theme focussed around the build up to the London 2012 Olympics, acknowledging that the coming months will be a time of both increased challenges and great opportunities for student athletes.
Building on one of the great strengths of the EAFU network, delegates embraced opportunities to share successes and challenges of their individual programs. Through the feedback received it was evident that this forum was a very worthwhile opportunity for universities and the broader EAFU network to share, learn and enhance the support for elite student athletes combining sport and study.
The location of the forum at Sydney Olympic Park also provided delegates with an opportunity to observe the NSW Institute of Sport swim squad in a training session at the Olympic pool and to participate in a guided tour of the Institute.
The next National forum will be held in 2013. There will, however, be state based ‘catch ups’ in 2012 where universities, ACE programs and professional player associations from each state informally meet.
For more information on the EAFU program please contact Nathan Price nathan.price@ausport.gov.au 02 6214 7354
