Course Overview

About This Course

The Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a diverse range of future career paths in the football industry. Study how the football industry (e.g., soccer, rugby league, rugby union, AFL, rugby 7s, wheelchair rugby, futsal, and touch football) develops the game, the players, the coaches, the volunteers, and the leaders required to ensure that their sport excels at grassroots and elite levels. Designed in collaboration with the football industry, classes are taught by industry experts and revolve around real-life case studies of football professionals, clubs, and organisations.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

10 Parkview Drive, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW

10 Parkview Dr, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

A minimum NSW HSC (Higher School Certificate) or equivalent meeting required standards in relevant subjects.
Performance in relevant year 11 results for early entry pending release of HSC results.
An Associate Diploma, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Tertiary Preparation Certificate from a TAFE or other recognised VET provider qualification.
A completed Certificate III or Certificate IV from a TAFE or other recognised VET provider qualification plus completed year 11 or an equivalent.
One year of full-time or an equivalent study in a degree course at a recognised higher education institute in Australia or an equivalent.
Satisfaction of entry requirements specified under formal articulation arrangements as determined by the ACPE Academic Board.
Completion of a Big Picture Education Portfolio at a Big Picture School, supported by a recommendation from the school principal.
A recognised overseas qualification with demonstrated proficiency in English.
Demonstration to the CEO or the Dean's satisfaction of good selection prospects as a student (e.g., relevant work experience and motivation to study).
All applicants must meet minimum computer literacy standards and have unrestricted access to the internet and a personal email account.
Mac or Windows laptop with minimum requirements: 16GB of memory, 256 GB SSD, Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, and a front-facing webcam/camera.
Domestic applicants must be 18 years of age or turn 18 within their first semester of study; international applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements for their chosen course of study.
For work-integrated learning involving children (under 18), a valid Working with Children Check must be supplied to ACPE before commencing the course.
This course is not ATAR dependent.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Football Coach (average salary: $59,000), Academy Coach (average salary: $70,000–$85,000), Referee Coordinator (average salary: $45,000–$73,000), Sport Competition Manager (average salary: $61,000–$83,000), Sport Performance Analyst/Scout (average salary: $100,000–$130,000). Graduates may also articulate into the Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units16 units

SPB1302

Understanding the Sport Industry

Semester 1, Year 1

PER1115

Coaching Pedagogy 1

Semester 1, Year 1

PER1116

Football Officiating

Semester 1, Year 1

PER1112

Football Principles and Practices

Semester 1, Year 1

SPB1101

Introduction to Sports Business

Semester 2, Year 1

HSC1104

Skill Acquisition

Semester 2, Year 1

PER1212

Football Club Development and Support (WIL)

Semester 2, Year 1 — Work Integrated Learning unit

PER1213

Player Wellbeing (WIL)

Semester 2, Year 1 — Work Integrated Learning unit including a work industry placement

PER2111

Leadership and Management in Football

Semester 3, Year 2 — Prereq: SPB1101

PER2102

Professional Communication (WIL)

Semester 3, Year 2 — Prereq: PER1103; Work Integrated Learning unit

PER2116

Development Through Football (WIL)

Semester 3, Year 2 — Prereq: PER1212; Work Integrated Learning unit

PER2113

Football Tactics, Strategies and Analytics

Semester 3, Year 2 — Prereq: PER1112

PER2211

Football Finance, Management and Governance

Semester 4, Year 2 — Prereq: SPB1101

PER2212

International Study of Football

Semester 4, Year 2 — Prereq: PER1212

PER2213

Football Coaching: Theory to Practice

Semester 4, Year 2 — Prereq: PER1112

HSC2205

Applied Football Science (WIL)

Semester 4, Year 2 — Prereq: HSC1104; Work Integrated Learning unit including a work industry placement

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Work Integrated Learning (WIL) involve in this course?

Work Integrated Learning is an important component of the program. Students are required to complete a minimum of 110 hours of placements in football environments. The course includes multiple WIL units across both years, and ACPE's Industry Hub and unit co-ordinators support students by helping identify and secure placements, preparing WIL agreements, delivering information sessions, and providing ongoing support throughout the placement.

What football codes and sports does this course cover?

The course covers a wide range of football codes and sports, including soccer, rugby league, rugby union, AFL, rugby 7s, wheelchair rugby, futsal, and touch football. Students study how the football industry develops the game, the players, the coaches, the volunteers, and the leaders at both grassroots and elite levels.

Can I study this course online or do I need to attend campus?

The course is available in on-campus, online, and blended modes. Students studying online are required to make a mandatory 2-day visit to the campus for two units. The campus is located at Sydney Olympic Park, 10 Parkview Drive, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW.

Is this course FEE-HELP approved and what further study options are available after completion?

Yes, this course is FEE-HELP approved for domestic students. Scholarships are also available. Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree, students can articulate into the Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) and may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for their completed study.

How is the course structured and how long does it take to complete?

The Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) can be completed in two years of full-time study, or a part-time equivalent. The program spans four semesters, each of 12 weeks duration, with approximately 12 contact hours per week (excluding examination and study weeks). The course is taught by industry experts and incorporates real-life case studies of football professionals, clubs, and organisations.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Game Development ManagerParticipation OfficerFootball Development OfficerCommunity Program LeaderAcademy Coach

Key Skills

Football coaching design, delivery, and evaluation across multiple codesSports development program planning and community participation managementSports administration and organisational managementPerformance analysis and data-driven player assessmentLeadership and team management in sporting environments

Full Course Overview

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Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance)

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students