Earlier in the year, I wrote a brief post about my experience at the Carlton College of Sport so far. Now that I’ve officially reached the halfway mark of the course, I can attempt to answer the question I get asked daily: ‘What do you actually do there?’
It would be easier to ask ‘what don’t I do there?’, to which the answer would be: not much. The course delivers a rounded academic experience, with this term consisting of Human Bioscience, Exercise Science, Sports Management and Coaching.
Half of the delivery takes place at Ikon Park and the other half at La Trobe University.
This placement is not all the Club has offered to me, however. I loved promoting the program at the VCE and Careers Expo, hoping to expand the growth of the college for future years. Analysing football training was another highlight: setting up the stadium cameras and learning how to use the Sportscode program was an enjoyable experience. Running an activity at the Carlton members’ junior clinic was a great chance to interact with the Club’s young faithful, as well as being able to work one-on-one with AFL players.
All in all, the Club and the program has offered me so many invaluable opportunities that I am not sure when I will get again.
We also enjoy an hour strength-and-conditioning session at the club gym, run by the S&C coaches of the AFLW team. The rest of the week is spent undertaking various placements offered to us by the Club.
Jack Silvagni during a VFL game for Northern Blues (Photo: Rose Zarucky).
I have been fortunate enough to work weekly with the VFL media team, taking photos for their media content. It’s a great environment and vibe at the Northern Blues, and the Club has been so welcoming having me on board.
I have been fortunate enough to work weekly with the VFL media team, taking photos for their media content. It’s a great environment and vibe at the Northern Blues, and the Club has been so welcoming having me on board.
Some highlights of working with the Northern Blues is photographing the likes of Dale Thomas and Jack Silvagni, taking photos at Marvel Stadium, attending the Seafood and Auction Night and seeing the boys put in effort each week and enjoy playing the game.
Rose at the Carlton College of Sport Open Day (Photo: Rose Zarucky
This placement is not all the Club has offered to me, however. I loved promoting the program at the VCE and Careers Expo, hoping to expand the growth of the college for future years. Analysing football training was another highlight: setting up the stadium cameras and learning how to use the Sportscode program was an enjoyable experience. Running an activity at the Carlton members’ junior clinic was a great chance to interact with the Club’s young faithful, as well as being able to work one-on-one with AFL players.
All in all, the Club and the program has offered me so many invaluable opportunities that I am not sure when I will get again.
I intend to soak up all the knowledge, exposure and experience that I am gaining and continue to work hard both academically and professionally for the second semester of my diploma.
