Apprenticeship Program

In 2006, the AFL Players' Association in conjunction with AFL SportsReady launched an exciting new player development initiative, the AFL Players' Apprenticeship Program.

The AFL Players' Apprenticeship Program is a joint AFLPA / AFL SportsReady initiative designed to equip 1st to 3rd year AFL players with the skills required to manage the demands of playing in the AFL.  The program covers fields such as Professional Development, Personal Development and Industry Induction. 

Upon program completion, players attain a nationally recognised Certificate III in Sport (Career Orientated Participation).

The initiative was launched Brendon Gale, AFLPA CEO;: Adrian Anderson, AFL GM - Football Operations ; Kevin Sheedy, Essendon FC Senior Coach and Chris Naish, AFL SportsReady GM - Commercial Operations.

The project is managed by AFLPA GM Player Development Steve Alessio and AFLPA / AFL SportsReady Career Transition Coordinator Rayden Tallis .  Rayden in association with the AFL Club Player Development Managers will regularly monitor players' progress through the program.