Melbourne Heart
La Trobe University and A-League soccer team Melbourne Heart have created a unique educational partnership.
About Melbourne Heart Football Club
Melbourne Heart FC is an Australian professional football club based at La Trobe University. The club joined the national competition, the Hyundai A-League, in August 2010 as the league's 11th official franchise. Melbourne Heart plays its home games at Melbourne’s rectangular stadium, AAMI Park.
For more information visit the Melbourne Heart Football Club website.
About the partnership
La Trobe's partnership with Melbourne Heart provides benefits for the University and football club alike.
Facilities
Under the agreement, Melbourne Heart’s 30 administrative staff occupy office space in the University’s Technology Enterprise Centre (TEC), located near the Research and Development Park, whilst their coaches and players have access to the University's playing fields, gym and swimming pool.
Preparing for life after football
In order to help prepare Heart players for life after football, La Trobe provides a range of flexible study and assessment options, which the University offers through its membership of the Australian Sports Commissions’ Elite Athlete Friendly University Network (EAFU).
Helping students gain real world experience
Through the partnership La Trobe students studying in the areas of allied health, journalism, event management and marketing may be able to undertake a placement with the Melbourne Heart to garner experience and put their skills to use in a professional football club. Additionally, La Trobe staff, students and alumni have access to discounted Melbourne Heart memberships. Importantly, the partnership also delivers the University valuable brand recognition and marketing benefits.
