WINNING PARTNERSHIP
TIV’s role in developing the next generation of football tradespeople
Football and trade school might not seem like an obvious pairing. But over the past 16 years, TIV has formed a strong bond with many football clubs and players. For a lot of the players, a trade certificate has been a crucial part of their development. And in many cases, it has provided a career path beyond their football playing days.
TIV has a long-standing reputation for delivering high quality, hands-on trade courses. But it’s their flexibility that has made them the perfect choice for footballers juggling busy training and playing schedules.
Partnership built around flexibility, support and practical courses.
TIV has been involved in both community and professional football, mentoring and providing training to players as well as giving back through various sponsorship initiatives. At a grassroots level, TIV have been a sponsor of WRFL (Western Region Football League) for over a decade. Most significantly, they threw their support behind the Under 18s Boys football competition and the Division 1 Senior Men’s football competition. As former CEO Matt Duck said about the support of the youth competition, it “obviously worked well with the age group at our end and a number of boys who obviously at that age are thinking about what they want to do post-school, and hence the TIV partnership made a lot of sense from that perspective.”
Caroline Springs v Yarraville Seddon Eagles – Round 10 – June 2023
AFL clubs also have a long history of working with TIV. Former North Melbourne Player Welfare Manager, David Madigan, recognised the pioneering spirit of a partnership between football and TIV early on. Back in 2017 when eight high profile players of the team joined TIV to study for trade certificates, he said, “This group of players has been looking for an organisation and program that will complement their football careers without encroaching on the demands and commitments expected of them as AFL players.” He went on to say that TIV has a proven track record in this regard.
Since then, many AFL players have become part of the TIV family. Jack Lonie followed in the steps of senior St Kilda players when he joined TIV. Like many others, he credits the trade school with keeping him grounded. He said the opportunity to study at TIV “provided a good balance away from footy.” If he has lost a match or is having a bad day “it’s good to be able to just go in and do some work and stop thinking about football for a while. It’s good for my mental health.”
All of these factors make TIV a trade school of choice for football players. But what makes the partnership so strong is the clubs’ support of TIV. They see the benefit that TIV brings to their players both on and off the field so they fully support the connection.
If you’re a young footballer looking to prepare for life after football, TIV might just be the winning partnership you’ve been looking for.
To find out more about which course might suit you, contact our friendly course advisors on 03 933 9511 or visit www.tiv.vic.edu.au.