Sports Trainer course subsidy for VAFA clubs in 2022

The VAFA is excited to offer all of its member clubs a full subsidy of Level 1 sports Trainer courses in 2022 through its affiliation with AFL Victoria.

AFL Victoria has partnered with Sports Medicine Australia to provide the 2022 Sports Trainer Subsidy Program to further support club volunteers and reduce some of the pre-season burden.

To help support Victorian clubs and their volunteers, Sports Medicine Australia are offering Level 1 Sports Trainer Accreditation courses across Victoria, and the costs for all participants that complete the course will be fully subsidised by AFL Victoria.

The SMA Level 1 Sports Trainer accreditation is a three-year accreditation, and the subsidy will help to support Victorian football clubs as they continue to recover from the COVID 19 pandemic.

The partnership will allow SMA to continue its role as the leading authority in sports medicine and provide community level sport with access to best practices and ensure all sports trainers, volunteers and parents have the knowledge and techniques required to ensure the safety of participants.

SMA CEO, Jamie Crain says the partnership between two leaders in the sporting industry will be a major boost for sport safety at Australian Rules football matches across Victoria.

“The SMA Sports Trainer course equips people working in community level football with the very best of knowledge, training and qualifications to handle serious injuries and other emergencies on the field and is backed by Australia’s leading authority in sport medicine.”

The program will be rolled out across the state from Monday February 21st through to Friday April 8th. It is anticipated the program will feature approximately 20 sessions across Victoria. The aim is to see over 200 new sports trainers accredited as part of the program.

The VAFA will be hosting two Sports Trainer courses delivered by SMA with the details list below.

Please ensure anyone who wishes to register for the Level 1 Sports trainer course has completed both pre-requisites below before registering:

1. HLTAID003 or HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (completed within 3 years)
2. HLTAID001 or HLTAID009 Provide CPR(completed within 12 months)

If your club would like to host the session on Sunday 13^th March or would like any more information on Sports Trainer Accreditation, please get in touch with VAFA Club Development Manager, Sean Walker.