Deakin Cats Footy Clinic attracts new members to ranks of AFL faithful

Held on Friday, July 28, at GMHBA Stadium, the popular Deakin Cats Footy Clinic is a big drawcard for Deakin international students hoping to learn the rules of one of Australia's favourite sports.

Deakin Executive Director of Student Services Rebecca Bone said the annual clinic launched in 2012 was a big attraction among students looking for a fun, cultural experience during their time in Australia.

"International students come to Deakin to experience life in Australia. They want to have an authentic Australian experience and what could be more authentic than footy," Mrs Bone said.

"We want every international student to have opportunities to connect within the Deakin community and also the broader community and the Deakin Cats Footy Clinic provides a very unique experience for our students to achieve this."

Cats players work with the students to fine tune their handballing, kicking and tackling skills – providing the perfect opportunity for the budding AFL fans to rub shoulders with some of the leagues' finest.

The session is topped off with a complimentary meat pie and sauce to complete students' indoctrination to the ranks of Melbourne’s footy-mad faithful. They will also score tickets to watch the Cats take on Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium on July 29.

Master of Engineering student Bilal Amir, 26, said he was a die-hard soccer fan but was intrigued to learn more about the AFL soon after his arrival in Melbourne from the United Arab Emirates a few months ago.

The clinic includes a tour of GMHBA Stadium, but he said he was most excited by the prospect of getting hands on training by the players and meeting other like-minded, sport-loving students.

"I’ve been a soccer fan all my life and to me that was football. I love team sports. This is really what brings us all together," Mr Amir said.

"But the second I landed in Australia all I see is things about AFL and on footy days it’s crazy. Everyone is dressed up in their team jersey. You see people of all races going for their AFL team, so I thought I may as well visit a few games."

Geelong Football Club Head of Community Will McGregor said the club’s players and staff couldn’t wait to meet the students and give them a taste of Aussie Rules.

"By providing an opportunity for students to understand the culture inside the club, we hope to build lasting connections that allow those students to feel welcome to return to training and matches at any stage of their life," Mr McGregor said.

Deakin University is the official education partner of the Geelong Football Club. This partnership encompasses sport science, player and community development, joint research initiatives and graduate employment opportunities.

It also facilitates student engagement and internship opportunities and provides an alternative training ground for Geelong players.