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Victoria University and Melbourne Victory FC have announced a five-year strategic partnership agreement that will see the leading sport university provide sport science and performance support for the MVFC Academy teams while also providing a range of unique learning experiences for current and prospective Victoria University students.

Introducing the partnership, Victoria University's Professor Hans Westerbeek, Dean of the College of Sport and Exercise Science, said the partnership will offer talented junior players a development pathway as part of an elite sporting environment that is underpinned by evidence based sport science and performance support.

The partnership, effective immediately, will begin with Victoria University’s Dr Fabio Serpiello (Head of Academy Performance and Sport Science) joining Melbourne Victory’s recently appointed Academy Director, Paulo Cardoso to head up the sport science and performance program.

Professor Westerbeek said the partnership cements Victoria University’s position as Australia’s leading Sports University, stating “it exposes our students to real life opportunities working with the biggest football club in Australia.

Melbourne Victory Chief Executive Ian Robson said the partnership aligns with the “enormous body of work we are undertaking to establish the Melbourne Victory Academy, as well as other already established programs in our Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League programs.

"We are thrilled to be working with Australia's leading Sports University for the next five years, and we're looking forward to building a strong and sustainable partnership with VU.

“We will truly benefit from the access to VU's coaching, sport science and high performance programs, and we're pleased to be able to offer VU's students an opportunity to experience working in an elite sporting organisation."

It builds on the University’s diverse range of local and international collaborations with leading sports organisations including the Western Bulldog's AFL, AFLWomens and VFL teams, Melbourne Vixens Netball Club, Tennis Australia, Swimming Australia and the Real Madrid Foundation.

The partnership will allow Victoria University students in Masters of Sport Science (Football Performance) and Master of Sport Business and Integrity the opportunity participate in internships and undergraduate students in sport science, coaching and sport management to undertake student placements as part of the MVFC Youth Academy sport science and performance program. 

Lower image: Melbourne Victory's Ian Robson with Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Dawkins.

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