The AFL School of Excellence program aims to create active, well-rounded, and connected young people who excel in AFL and are prepared to overcome challenges, achieve success, and positively contribute to their community. The program provides male and female students in Years 7–10 with the opportunity to develop their skills and follow a genuine learning pathway in AFL and sports studies through schooling and beyond. The program will continue to grow, expanding to Year 11 in 2026 and Year 12 in 2027. Students study AFL as part of their junior and middle secondary curriculum.
Students in the program gain access to a high-quality sporting curriculum developed in partnership with AFL Queensland, supported by accredited AFL coaches and teachers. Students will study HPE together for the academic year and engage in a wide range of extracurricular AFL excursions and activities.
The program focuses on a holistic approach to talent development across four core areas:
Athlete Development: Enhancement of fundamental skills, fitness, game knowledge, and performance habits.
Promoting Personal Growth: Development of leadership skills, wellbeing, communication, and teamwork.
Community: Increased participation in the Greater Springfield AFL Community — as players, umpires, coaches, or volunteers at the local AFL club.
Future Pathways: Students are exposed to a range of career opportunities in AFL and related areas such as sports performance, psychology, and nutrition. The program also offers qualifications in coaching and umpiring, with direct alignment to senior pathways including Certificate III in Fitness, Physical Education, and Sport & Recreation.
Positive Youth Development: Supporting students' growth in Confidence, Competence, Character, and Connection.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCES
From Year 7 to Year 10, students participate in a range of experiences aligned to the program's core aims, including:
Welcome Pack: Branded drawstring bag, mouthguard, and official playing socks.
Training Sessions: Two structured training sessions held outside regular school hours.
Curriculum Integration: Class time dedicated to building AFL skills, game understanding, and strategy.
Competition Opportunities: Events like the AFLQ Schools of Excellence Cup, Year 9 AFLQ Gala Days, and local school practice matches.
Elite Coaching: Mentorship from AFLQ-supported coaches with Level 2 and 3 accreditations.
Professional Education Programs: Workshops on training, psychology, nutrition, recovery, and Indigenous perspectives.
Skills Development Camp: An immersive AFL Excellence Camp to enhance gameplay and teamwork.
Brighton Homes Arena Visits: Observing professional AFL training sessions and events.
Leadership Development: Education, coaching, and game-day roles that build leadership capabilities.
Strength & Conditioning: Fitness programs tailored for performance and injury prevention.
Umpiring and Coaching Education: Opportunities to earn formal umpiring and coaching certifications.
EXPECTATIONS
Participation in the AFL Excellence Program requires commitment, both academically and athletically:
Students must show effort and a genuine desire to play AFL during class and training.
Students must sign an agreement and pay an annual fee of $160, which covers umpiring, transport, equipment, competition levies, and extracurricular activities.
Maintain a B or above in effort and behaviour on report cards.
Maintain 90% attendance or higher, with explanations provided for absences.
Abide by Woodcrest State College’s Student Code of Conduct and uniform policies.
Participate in school AFL games and all college sports carnivals (Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country).
Students must attend all scheduled practice sessions and arrive on time.
Students will have access to the 2025 Woodcrest Sports Online Store to purchase their compulsory playing shorts and optional academy training shirt.
Camp costs and other optional activities (e.g., end-of-year celebration) will incur additional subsidised charges.
For more information or to enquire about Woodcrest’s AFL Excellence Program, please contact:
Lucas Jackson, AFL Excellence Coordinator
(07) 3280 2444 | Ljack317@eq.edu.au