Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens have welcomed Deakin University as Official Education Partner in a multi-year deal.
An extension of the national partnership with Netball Australia, Deakin University and Netball Victoria will collaborate on professional development, graduate employment, integrated learning and research projects for the next three years.
Netball Victoria CEO, Rosie King said the benefits of the partnership extend beyond a traditional sponsorship.
“The partnership between Netball Victoria and Deakin will provide opportunities for students to prepare themselves for life after university through our internship program and graduate employment, but also for the development of the sport as we look to work with Deakin on research relating to netball,” said King.
“Netball has long been ahead of the game in women’s sport, and the access to Deakin’s resources will ensure we progress with the times which will be invaluable to the future of the sport.”
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said the University was proud to be a strong supporter of women’s netball, the most popular sport for girls and women in Australia.
“Deakin is committed to inspiring girls and women to achieve at whatever they do. This includes achievement at the highest possible level in all sports, on and off the court or field, and that is why we are delighted that through this partnership our netballers will get the benefits of the important research we have underway now and into the future,” Professor den Hollander said.
“The partnership also means Melbourne Vixens players and Deakin students Liz Watson and Kate Moloney will be further supported to combine their studies with their sport, thanks to Deakin’s Elite Athlete program.”
Melbourne Vixens player Liz Watson said the link between the Vixens and education at Deakin is a fantastic partnership.
“Already at Deakin I’m finding it easier to balance my sporting commitments with my studies because Deakin has been so helpful with flexible timetabling and my teaching placements,” said Watson.
“There are more classes at Deakin and therefore more options, and so I don’t have to choose between my sport and my degree because both are important to me.”
As part of the partnership, Deakin University will be featured on the Melbourne Vixens’ 2019 dress.
