St Francis Catholic College has partnered with Academy Movement to offer selected students in years 10 to 12 the opportunity to join our Elite Sports Academy (ESA) program.

Students participate in an elite athlete development program while completing their senior secondary studies. The ESA caters to athletes from all sporting codes and allows students to focus on strength and conditioning, supplementing the sport they participate in outside the College.

When students join the ESA, they:

• complete a structured curriculum from Years 10-12 that includes a VET Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, Level 1 Sports Trainer certification and full First Aid and CPR certification.
• participate in high-level strength and conditioning training sessions built into their timetable delivered by a qualified coach with tailored programs to help them excel in their sport.

• benefit from an engaging and supportive environment among students who share their passion for sport and exercise
• learn about post-secondary education opportunities and career pathways
• gain access to elite sporting organisations through excursions and incursions.

How to apply

Applications for the ESA open to all Year 9 students in Term 4 for commencement in Year 10.

Each application is assessed on sporting, behavioural and academic merit.

Successful students must represent the school, the academy, and themselves by participating in all aspects of school life to the best of their ability.

Students can re-apply in subsequent years only if a place in the academy becomes available, and each application will be assessed on the same criteria as above.

Students must compete in at least one sport outside the College at any level. Representative (e.g., state, national, etc.) level sports will be considered favourably, as will students with excellent behavioural and academic records.

For more information, please contact Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach Jacob Scott at jscott@sfcc.vic.edu.au or Academy Teacher Stephanie Bertalmio at sbertalmio@sfcc.vic.edu.au

Program partners

The College proudly partners with Academy Movement and Savile, a registered training organisation, to deliver the Elite Sports Academy program. Pro Physio Plus generously volunteer their time to help with our strapping and taping unit. We thank them for sharing their experience and knowledge with us.

Athlete Development Program (Melton Campus - Years 7-9)

The St Francis Catholic College Athlete Development Program (ADP) is designed for students in Years 7 and 8 to participate in foundation-level strength and conditioning training to benefit their sports performance.

It also allows students to experience the Elite Sports Academy (ESA) environment during a semester-based elective in Year 9 before applying for the ESA.

Year 7 and 8

The ADP will run as an extracurricular activity in Years 7 and 8, with students able to participate once per week in a training session under the guidance of the Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach, with the support of an Academy teacher.

Training sessions are built around foundational bodyweight movements, where students will learn how to control and move their body efficiently and safely, providing benefits such as increased physical performance in their chosen sport and reduced risk of injury.

While the ADP in Years 7 and 8 is a voluntary, extra-curricular activity, it can improve a student’s chance of selection for the Year 9 elective program by demonstrating their behaviour, commitment, teamwork, leadership and sporting ability before they apply.

This may also help improve their chances of being selected for the ESA in Year 10.

Year 9

The ADP in Year 9 will consist of one theory and one practical class per week. The practical class will focus on bodyweight movements, with some light resistance added to the training program depending on the requirements of each student’s sport. It is more specific than the Year 7 and 8 training sessions, and the theory class will include content from the following units, all relating to the sports industry:

• Fitness for Life

• Nutrition for Life

• Strong Mind Strong Athlete

• Goal Setting and Healthy Habits

There will be one class per semester, with students only able to participate in Semester 1 or Semester 2, depending on timetabling logistics (students cannot choose which semester they participate in).

Places in the ADP and ESA are competitive, and we recommend students demonstrate and maintain high standards of behaviour to ensure their application is successful.

Towards the end of Year 9, applications for the ESA will open, and all students will be encouraged to apply if they would like to continue with the program.

One class consisting of 24 students will be selected for Year 10. These students remain in the ESA class until Year 12 (unless they do not meet the expectations of the ESA or withdraw due to other reasons).

If a place becomes available in Year 10, ESA staff may re-open applications to fill vacancies.

For more information please contact SFCC Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach Jacob Scott at jscott@sfcc.vic.edu.au or Academy Teacher Stephanie Bertalmio at sbertalmio@sfcc.vic.edu.au.

Celebrating the achievements of our Elite Sports Academy students

Kelley Breaks Australian Powerlifting Records

Congratulations to Year 10 Melton Campus student Kelley, who smashed four Australian records at the recent national powerlifting championships in Queensland.

Kelley broke four national records in the 13-15-year-old under 100kg division:

Bench 117kg - national record
Squat 170kg - national record
Deadlift 220kg - national record
Total 507kg - national record

Watch Kelley's squat here

A member of the College’s Elite Sports Academy, Kelley began lifting weights when he was 10 and also plays American football with the Geelong Buccaneers Gridiron team and Victorian State Eagles Gridiron team. He began competing in powerlifting last year, achieving World Raw Powerlifting Federation national and world records.

Kelley will compete in the World Championships in Chicago in mid-November, hoping to break another world record and bring home gold.

To support Kelley's bid to travel to the world championships, you can visit his Australian Sports Foundation fundraising page here.

Adding to his recent success, Kelley also received an Academy Movement REACH scholarship this week, recognising his commitment to his sport and studies.

(August 2024)