The BHSSC AFL/AFLW Academy was the first school based Academy program to be introduced into Victorian schools, beginning in 1996. Since its establishment it has been acknowledged as one of the more successful school-based AFL Academy programs in Victoria and across Australia. Our College football teams (AFL & AFLW) have successfully competed in and won multiple State Schools Victoria, Herald Sun and Champions League competitions since the inception of the Academy programs here at BHSSC.
The BHSSC AFL/AFLW Academy is a compulsory fee-based extra-curricular program, that is offered to interested students wishing to improve their knowledge, skill and understanding of Australian Rules Football. Students are provided with the opportunity to work with highly experienced and successful coaches in developing their individual and team based skills in AFL/AFLW, while also undertaking strength and conditioning sessions to improve their overall athletic performance. Involvement in this extra-curricular program is also dependent on academic progress/performance and appropriate behaviour at all times, as a student-athlete at BHSSC.
Since the program’s commencement, over 40 students have been drafted into AFL and AFLW over the past two decades, indicating that our Academy culture is both aspirational and performance orientated. Many of our student-athletes have also accomplished significant individual achievements including:-
- representation in Vic Metro U18 squads and WAFL teams;
- recipients of AIS scholarships
The College AFL/AFLW football program aims to assist elite junior football players by providing a training program which:-
- assists in improving their fitness and conditioning
- improves their technical skills through ball centred activities
- improves decision making skills and game strategies
- provides an improved understanding of potential sport, industry and career pathways
Fitness and conditioning training is conducted onsite in the College’s fully equipped gymnasium and all other football related training is conducted onsite &/or on nearby Council ovals.
Competitions
The school takes part in School Sport Victoria (SSV) competitions. The Senior AFL squad also participates in the Premier League (SSV) which is the elite AFL competition within the SSV.
Introducing the Coaches
- Leigh Clarke – Head Coach AFL & AFLW
- Selena Karlson – Assistant Coach AFL & AFLW
