Football will be kicking goals for Northern Tasmania thanks to a new phase of teamwork between the University of Tasmania and the Hawthorn Football Club.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed today will see the two institutions work together to lift educational attainment, develop distinctive new study and research opportunities, and improve health and wellbeing in the region.
Hawthorn Football Club chief executive officer Justin Reeves said the MOU would strengthen the links between the club and the University’s staff and students. One of the first actions from the MOU will give all UTAS students access an exclusive University of Tasmania student membership.
“UTAS Stadium is our second home. As more students’ head to Launceston to study, we’re keen that they have a chance to see us play and build a connection with our club,” Mr Reeves said.
“The partnership offers all UTAS students the opportunity to connect with our game and in particular gives international students the opportunity to experience Australia’s most iconic game first-hand.”
University of Tasmania Provost Professor Jane Long said the partnership opened the door to exciting possibilities for students and the broader community.
“This is a chance for our students to tap into the expertise of one of the country’s top sporting clubs, both during their studies and in post graduate research,” Professor Long said.
“We have also agreed to collaborate on programs that deliver health and community outcomes. Together, we want to use football to support a region that has given so much to the game.”
Under the MOU students will work with Hawthorn Football Club players and staff on research into elite athletic performance and Hawthorn staff will deliver course-related seminars in areas of expert knowledge such as coaching, fitness, health, nutrition and event management.
As part of the MOU, Hawthorn Football Club games and the club’s health and wellbeing online platform Looking After ME become learning destinations for the award-winning Children’s University.
Children’s University Tasmania, administered by the University of Tasmania, is a program that encourages learning outside the school environment. Children participate in activities at museums, sports clubs, galleries or libraries for example, and are recognised for their learning.
Hawthorn, one of the most successful AFL teams of the past decade, has played AFL roster and pre-season games at University of Tasmania Stadium since 2001.
The University and Hawthorn will explore ways the two organisations can collaborate to support the growth of the Inveresk Precinct as an important asset for the community as the University develops its new campus.
The Memorandum of Understanding will run for an initial period of three years.
