OUA
Improving performance on and off the field with OUA Winner of the OUA Learning for Life Scholarship, Adrian Fletcher believes further education could provide him with the edge in his coaching career.
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career in football requires a lot of determination, stamina, training and focus. And these traits are just as important for players who decide to pursue a career after the game. As a former AFL player, Adrian Fletcher is no stranger to this concept. Adrian is now an assistant coach but he didn’t get to this stage in his post-football career without putting in the hard yards, which in his case included various educational pursuits. “I am extremely motivated to finish the MBA that I started back in 2006. I have already completed my certificate in plumbing, a diploma in management and a fitness leader certificate,” said Adrian. This dedication to study made Adrian stand out as a candidate and eventual winner of an Open Universities Australia Learning for Life Scholarship earlier this year. Open Universities Australia (OUA) has been working in partnership with the AFL Players’ Association for the past five years. The focus of the partnership is on helping players and their clubs recognise the importance of off field development – which in turn benefits their performance on field. It’s through this partnership that the Learning for Life Scholarship program was designed. It offers retired AFL footballers
the assistance required to make that all important transition into a life after their playing career. For Adrian, this presents a perfect opportunity to realise his aspiration of catapulting from the ranks of an assistant coach into the honoured role of head coach. “I have been an assistant coach since 2001 and would love to one day coach in my own right,” said Fletcher. In his mind, the key to Adrian’s future lies in the completion of his MBA qualification. “To give me a greater chance of completing my long time goal, finishing the MBA should increase my chances,” said Fletcher. In Adrian’s case, this is where the flexibility of an OUA education is great for AFL players as their philosophy is designed to build a study experience to fit your lifestyle. All students – whether they’re studying for the first time, working professionals living overseas or elite athletes – need the flexibility of being able to study when, where and how much their lifestyle will allow them. Any AFL player contemplating their future after football can be guaranteed OUA’s choice of over 1100 units of study or 130 qualifications, taught by 20 leading universities and higher education providers.
This includes the Graduate Certificate in Sports Coaching and the Masters of Sports Coaching (Griffith University). OUA also offers AFL players access to dedicated Enrolment Advisors who are on hand to help create a study journey that is tailored to their lifestyle and level of commitment. OUA provide access to online discussion forums, virtual reality stimulations, webinars and 24/7 tutorial support, allowing all students to interact with both peers and instructors on a regular basis. So as a player, whether you’re gearing up for the finals or contemplating the year that’s just passed, now is the ideal time to start thinking about your development off the field potentially with OUA. Enrolments for Study Period 4 close 13 November, with studies starting on 28 November. For further details on the partnership agreement, study options and special benefits for AFL players, coaches and club officials, visit the OUA microsite at www.open.edu.au/aflplayers About Open Universities Australia OUA is the national leader in providing open and flexible access to quality tertiary education. Enrolling over 144,000 students since 1993, OUA brings 20 leading Australian universities and other higher education providers to you. You can choose from more than 1100 units and 130 qualifications. Visit www.open.edu.au