Ellenbrook Secondary College offers two specialist sports programs:
- AFL – Years 7 to 10 with potential senior school courses starting 2026
- Netball – Years 9 and 10
These programs foster character development, enhance technical skills, and instil self-discipline while nurturing a passion for sport. They also provide students with the opportunity to refine their athletic abilities and compete at the highest levels.
Overview
The Ellenbrook Secondary College Specialist AFL Program Football Academy was established in 2022 with an initial intake of Year 7 students. The program focuses on developing the skills and attributes needed to excel in Australian Rules Football at the highest level.
Students receive specialist coaching and training, learning offensive and defensive skills, tactics, and advanced strategies. They work towards achieving the fitness levels required to play in AFL, WAFL, or to reach their personal potential. Students also gain valuable experience in umpiring and coaching roles.
There may be additional activities such as visits to the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles facilities/games, which may incur extra costs.
The Program
- The academy offers a comprehensive sports education, with two practical sessions per week and one Health period, replacing Physical Education.
- A strong emphasis is placed on goal setting, with regular one-on-one reviews to track progress. Students develop their skills in a high-performance environment through both training and matches. The program is endorsed by East Perth Football Club in partnership with the Western Australian Football Commission, providing students with opportunities to develop as footballers, coaches, and umpires.
- The program is designed to complement, not conflict with, community football teams, WAFL development programs, or WA state programs. It enhances player development by focusing on skills in an elite setting.
- The academy fosters strong ties with local junior football clubs, including Aveley Avengers, Ellenbrook Dockers, Upper Swan, and Caversham Suns.
- In 2026, we aim to introduce a VET Certificate course in Sports Coaching, linked to AFL, as part of the Upper Schoolโs practical sessions. The goal is to establish a class for each year group by 2028.
Coaching Staff
All our coaching staff are highly qualified, bringing extensive AFL playing and coaching experience. Program Coordinator Mclaine Thomson has played for numerous local clubs across the Perth metropolitan area and the Pilbara region for over 20 years. With four years of school coaching experience, he is dedicated to developing young footballers, refining their skills, and instilling strong community values. His passion for the game and commitment to player growth make him a valuable leader in the program.
Pre-season Camps, Regional, and Interstate Tours
Students are exposed to a variety of tours and experiences. Two cohorts have travelled to Melbourne for a football tour in the past, where they learned about the gameโs history and attended AFL matches. Future tours will include games against other regional schools, preseason team-building camps, and regional tours.
Facilities and Resources
Ellenbrook Secondary College Football Academy students have access to a state-of-the-art fitness suite, featuring equipment such as treadmills, rowers, weight machines, plyometric gear, boxing equipment, free weights, resistance tools, and recovery machines. Students also use heart-rate monitors and GPS game tracking monitors. Coaches record training and game footage to help correct skill errors and enhance player technique. Additionally, students have access to State Swim Ellenbrook for recovery and hydrotherapy. In 2020, Richmond FC Premiership player Nathan Broad visited the college to run a clinic for Year 9 and 10 students.
Prerequisites
This course is specifically for students who are experienced in playing to the club standard in football โ this is an intensive course that requires a good level of skill, also a clear understanding of the rules and regulations of the game. Parents will be required to sign a contract to secure a place in this course and students may be removed from this program, should their behaviour or standard of participation be deemed unacceptable.
- It is expected that students partaking in this course are actively involved in Ellenbrook Secondary Collegeโs after school football teams.
- Students are expected to come to AFL Specialist with their PE uniform. Failure to bring their uniform regularly will result in removal from class.
- Students attendance at school needs to be 90% or higher to remain in the course.
- Students must behave in accordance with ESCโs behaviour management plan in all classes across the college to remain a suitable candidate for the course.
Application Process
To be in the ALF Specialist Program, students must:
- Submit an AFL Application Form.
- Attend a trial at Ellenbrook Secondary College Oval on one of the following dates:
- 31 March 2025
- 23 June 2025
- 15 September 2025
- 8 December 2025 - If successful, students will be offered a place in the academy. To confirm acceptance, complete a general Ellenbrook SC Enrolment Form.
Note: Additionally, a football clinic will be held at Ellenbrook Secondary College Oval, focusing on fundamentals and basic skills. This clinic is open to Year 5 and 6 students of all abilities.
Contact
Mr Mclaine Thomson - Program Coordinator
T: 9297 9700 E: mclaine.thomson@education.wa.edu.au
Overview
This course provides students in Years 9 and 10 with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in netball. Emphasis is placed on all aspects of the sport, including skill development, fitness requirements, game strategies, and the opportunity to obtain an umpiring qualification.
Designed for students with experience playing at a club level, this intensive course requires a strong skill set and a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations of the game. Students who do not meet the expected standards of behaviour or participation may be removed from the program.
Prerequisites
To be eligible for this course, students must:
- Students are recommended for the program based on their performance in the Year 7 and Year 8 Netball Lightning Carnivals as well as their performance in the Year 8 General Physical Education classes, which include a seven-week netball unit.
- Maintain a minimum school attendance rate of 90% to remain enrolled.
- Achieve a minimum B grade in General Physical Education.
Contact
Ms Samantha Rumble - Netball Program Coordinator
T: 9297 9700 E: samantha.rumble@education.wa.edu.auย