Football - Men - Home
Football is a sport that requires a range of dynamic skills that include short, explosive movements, endurance, agility, technical and tactical skills, and lots of decision-making. Elite football players have honed these skills to an exceptional level, but have done so with the help of advanced training techniques, sports science and sports medicine, and opportunities for competition. All of this can be achieved through a holistic program such as that offered by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Football was one of the eight founding sports of the AIS. The program was established in 1981 with two broad aims - to identify and develop players for the national under-20 youth team and to develop coaches through the Scholarship Coaching scheme.
The players are usually 16 (turning 17) years of age when they begin their scholarship. Scholarships are for one year initially with a second year being offered if the players do well. The AIS team competes in the National Youth League and has an excellent record of success given the young age of the players.
The team embarks on annual overseas tours to enable the players to further develop experience and professionalism against a variety of opposition and playing styles. Tours have included Malaysia, China, South America, Mexico, Europe and the United States. Other areas integrated into the AIS program include sports psychology, nutrition, physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, recovery and travel skills.
The AIS Football program is a residential program. It is well known and respected throughout most Football countries and is seen by many as a quality feeding ground for professional domestic and international clubs.
Robert Crowther