With university offers due to arrive in the first week of January, Brisbane Lions legend Simon Black has launched an academy that combines AFL training with vocational VET-FEE approved education providing pathways onto university.

The Simon Black Australian Rules Academy will run full-time, Monday to Thursday, over 12 months, from three locations in 2016: Harry Trott Oval in Melbourne, Sherwood Football Club in Brisbane, and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Black will be the program’s ambassador and National Director of Football.

It will be Australia’s first private footy academy for young men and women.

On the field, students will be coached and mentored by ex AFL players and coaches, gaining exposure to training usually only available to elite players.

Off the field, a Certificate III and IV in fitness will be completed, along with Umpiring Accreditation and a Diploma of Business which can provide credit for 6 – 12 months of credit to university courses for students who choose that path.

“Our goal is to provide every student the opportunity to be the very best they can be,” says Black, the Lion’s Brownlow Medalist, 3-time-premiership winning player and current Midfield Coach.

“Only a select few high school leavers have elite training opportunities fall into their hands. This is a chance for players passionate about AFL to continue working on their game while getting qualifications that will help with their future.”

Enrolments are being taken now for 2016, with only 10 spots left in both Brisbane and Melbourne.

For more information, or to enroll, visit www.australianrulesacademy.com.au/lions/