New partnership bringing AFL-focussed health and physical education programs to Victorian Schools

New partnership bringing AFL-focussed health and physical education programs to Victorian Schools

ACHPER Victoria is proud to announce a new Platinum partnership with AFL Victoria and AFL Max, aiming to highlight and deliver dynamic, Australian Rules Football-themed health and physical education (HPE) programs to schools across Victoria.

This exciting collaboration is set to enhance students’ physical literacy, foster active lifestyles, and build a positive culture of health and well-being in educational settings.

Through this partnership, ACHPER Victoria, AFL Victoria, and AFL Max will work together to communicate the availability of venues, resources, workshops, and programs designed to engage students of all abilities in physical activity through the lens of football.

By combining AFL Victoria and AFL Max’s educational and immersive experiences, the partnership with ACHPER Victoria aspires to support schools and teachers to make physical activity an enjoyable and integral part of student life.

Of the new Platinum partnership, ACHPER Victoria CEO, Gillian Mason said, “We’re thrilled to work alongside AFL Victoria and AFL Max, leaders in community and youth engagement,”

“This partnership allows us to introduce AFL-focused initiatives that not only support physical literacy but also create a foundation for lifelong health and wellness.”

James Podsiadly, Founder and CEO AFL Max says, “Building on our success in Adelaide, where over 600 schools have already joined us, we’re thrilled to bring these exciting opportunities to Victorian students in 2025 and kick off our partnership with ACHPER Victoria.”

“We’ve earned our reputation as a premier destination for educational experiences, dedicated to getting kids active while addressing some of the most pressing challenges young people face today. Through a strong focus on mental health, leadership, and well-being, our overnight camps, excursions, and digital programs empower schools to enrich their curriculum with impactful learning experiences that go beyond the classroom.”

Key initiatives of the partnership include the promotion of:

• AFL Max Experience for Schools: AFL Max’s in person, interactive venue, launching in early 2025, will be tailored to support curriculum outcomes in health and physical education. The experiences delivered by the AFL Max Education team will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that develop skills in teamwork, resilience, and confidence while being fun and physically engaging.
• AFL Victoria’s Schools Engagement Program: AFL Victoria’s resources, and school and teacher memberships support educators with integrating AFL activities into their curriculum. Their programs provide schools with structured Australian Rules Football-themed activities that align with the curriculum, creating consistent and engaging experiences for students at all skill levels.
• Teacher professional development: Through a series of targeted communications, special events and workshops, ACHPER Victoria will support AFL Victoria and AFL Max to assist teachers with implementing AFL-themed physical literacy programs. Both teams are dedicated to building educators’ confidence and expertise in using curriculum-based resources and activities to achieve positive outcomes in health and physical education.

This collaboration reinforces ACHPER Victoria’s commitment to innovation in health and physical education, and we look forward to supporting AFL to inspire physical activity and wellbeing among Victorian students.

About AFL Victoria

AFL Victoria works to grow and support Australian Rules Football across the state, fostering talent and engaging communities to embrace physical activity and teamwork.

About AFL Max

AFL Max is Australia’s first fully immersive AFL centre, bringing people together to create active, fun, learning for all. With a strong focus on education, AFL Max combines physical literacy and active play to encourage young people to stay active while learning valuable life skills. AFL Max’s first Melbourne venue is set to launch May 2025, at Melbourne Airport.

For more information about this partnership and upcoming initiatives, please contact Kim Tamas, Marketing & Partnerships Manager kim.tamas@achper.vic.edu.au.

To learn more about the partnerships helping us promote active, healthy lifestyles for all through professional development, advocacy, and collaboration please click here >>