IC11 is still alive and well
It was a cloudy and wet day at Gipps Rd Oval on June 17 when team China flexed their muscles to defeat a brave Indian side in the AFL International Cup.
A large crowd gathered that day as local school students packed into the venue and made their presence felt loud and clear.
The magic following the fixture saw Masters students from the University of Technology, Sydney introduce themselves to AFL NSW/ACT staff.
The four students, two from China, one from Switzerland and the other from Finland spoke of their passion for sport and how they were studying event management at University.
What followed was a meeting between the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust and the AFL to discuss event and facility management.
The students were then given a once in a lifetime tour of the historic Sydney Cricket Ground precinct which has seen some of Sydney’s most memorable sporting highlights – Tony Lockett kicking a point after the siren to get the Swans into the 1996 Grand Final, Steve Waugh hitting a century on the final ball of the Ashes test in 2003 and many, many more.
Part of the experience also allowed the students to gain valuable insight into how to successful manage an event and the relationships that allow numerous sports to co-exist at the SCG and SFS.
The students identified key themes and prepared numerous questions to ask Steve Clark (Senior Event and Operations Manger – Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust) and Anthony Brooks (Facilities Coordinator – AFL NSW/ACT).
Antti from Finland said it was a valuable experience.
“It was great for us to have a closer look at the operations of the SCG and SFS,” he said.
“Hearing from industry professionals at two major-scale and well-managed organisations really put our Venue Management studies in context.
“Coming from overseas, one of the main benefits of studying Sports Management in Sydney has been that the sports industry here is extremely fascinating, due to the various major sporting codes playing in the same regions and venues.”
The students will continue their studies and write a paper for their Event Management unit. Upon successful completion of their university requirements most will return overseas and begin to forge a career in the sporting or event management industries.
Rest assured these students have experienced firsthand AFL both nationally and internationally and have been embraced by the code. They will keep in contact with AFL staff to ensure collaboration and opportunities are developed in the future.
