Football - Men Scholarships
The program has two broad aims - to identify and develop players for the national under-17 team (the 'Joeys') and to prepare players for professional careers. The program does not accept applications but scholarships are usually offered to exceptional 15 year old players turning 16 in their first scholarship year.
Players are identified at National Championships and through the National Training Centre program which currently includes the regional institutes and academies of sport. Scholarships are for one year initially with the possibility of a second year being offered to players that continue to show strong potential. It is a residential program with all players from outside the Australian Capital Territory living in athlete accommodation on site. Young athletes are closely supervised and given personal support by the onsite Residence Staff.
Players continue their education while in Canberra with schooling and training/playing requirements balanced to meet all needs. Meals are taken in the Dining Hall with nutritionally controlled menus. Players regularly get to mix with the cream of Australia’s developing and elite athletes from many sports in that environment.
The program offers a comprehensive approach to every aspect of preparing players for the rigours of professional competition with a support team that works cooperatively to provide input to players and program staff. Major areas covered by AIS professionals include sports psychology, nutrition, physiology, medical, physiotherapy, massage, strength and conditioning as well as Athlete Career and Education.
AIS Men’s Football is also a key element of the FFA’s elite development pathway and endeavours to provide the cream of Australia’s youth in this age group with the best possible domestic and international competition opportunities. In the past the squad has competed in domestic national youth leagues and has travelled to Malaysia, China, South America, Europe, Mexico and the United States.
The AIS Football program is also well known and respected around the world as a quality breeding ground for prospective professional players.
Regional football contacts
Contact any of the Member federations for more information about other football scholarships available in Australia.
