Extra-curricular Opportunities

Sports Business Placements

Alongside completing their Dual Diploma studies, EEA students have the opportunity to take part in ~100 hours of industry experience across the Essendon Football Club and its Partner Network.

It is important to note that these placements are an optional extra for students to enhance their learning and development as part of the EEA program. These placement hours do not impact a student’s ability to pass the Dual Diploma coursework and therefore are up to each individual student to ‘opt-in’ to.

We encourage Work Integrated Learning (WIL) throughout the program for students to apply their learning in a practical sense, developing their skills in professionalism, communication, and adaptability to real life situations. Departments on offer for student placements include:

•People and Culture

•Finance

•Marketing

•Member Services

•Fan Engagement

•Commercial

•Events

•Community

•Digital Media

•AFLM/AFLW Player recruitment

Students are encouraged to bring forward other placement opportunities which are not typically offered, whether that be an area internally, or an external organisation. Our team will work with each student on making this possible within our program.

Football Development Program

Develop your on-field game within EEA’s Football Development Program.

The Football Development Program is open for all students to participate in regardless of prior football experience or skill level. The Football Development Program equips students with a holistic on-field and off-field development opportunity within a high-performance environment.

Coached by club and AFL legend, Dustin Fletcher, all sessions are delivered at the NEC Hangar outside of structured class delivery. The key features of the Football Development Program include;

  • Craft and skills development,

  • Strength and conditioning, and

  • Game education.

Coaching Development Program

A new initiative for students in 2024, the coaching development program is designed for students who have a passion for coaching and developing others in their chosen field. Working with Dustin Fletcher who has X number of years experience under his belt, students will develop their skills in coaching, people management, leadership and session development/planning.

The coaching Development Program is scheduled each week alongside the Football Development Program, so students can elect to participate in either Football or Coaching alongside their study and Sports Business Placements, if they choose to do so.

Student Social Committee

The social committee is another opportunity for students to implement their leadership skills in a collaborative way, working as a team to schedule, design and implement social events for the cohort. Students who choose to participate in this program will contribute to their total placement hours across the year through Social Committee meetings and events hosted by their team.