Deakin University sign multi-year partnership with the Geelong Cats

Deakin University have committed to a multi-year partnership with the Geelong Cats, that will see the University become a co-major sponsor of the club’s inaugural AFLW team.

A long-standing club partner since 2007, Deakin have sponsored the VFLW Cats over the past two seasons and will continue their strong support of women’s football into 2019 and beyond.

Deakin’s partnership with the Cats is embedded by long-term collaboration and integration between the club’s football department and the university’s School of Exercise & Nutrition Science (SENS). The two organisations support one another through student placements, research and the sharing of recourses and facilities.

As part of the latest commitment, Geelong’s AFLW side will utilise Deakin’s state-of-the-art Elite Sports Precinct at Waurn Ponds as their primary training venue as they prepare for the 2019 season.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said the University was delighted to continue its partnership with the Geelong Cats.

“Deakin is passionate about inspiring women to achieve their goals in whatever they choose to do, which is why we are thrilled to continue our support of the Geelong Cats to achieve its goals in the AFLW league,” den Hollander said.

“We know that sport is good for our health and fitness, along with emotional well-being and socialisation, but we also know that girls continue to drop out of sport before boys, so it’s been particularly exciting to watch the VFLW competition inspire so many more girls into sport.”

Professor den Hollander said women’s sport was also excellent entertainment, with important flow-on benefits to the community.

Geelong Cats CEO Brian Cook thanked Deakin University for their continuing support of the club’s women’s football program.

“Deakin University’s ongoing support of women’s elite sport is a credit to their organisation and we are delighted to have them on board,” Cook said.

“Deakin were the first organisation to sponsor the club’s VFLW team at its inception into the competition in 2017. Their belief and support in our women’s program has been unwavering and we thank them for that.

“We look forward to our relationship with Deakin University evolving into the future.”

A leader in their support of women’s elite sport across Australia, Deakin also partner with Netball Australia, Melbourne Boomers and the Elite Women’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

Deakin University will be represented on the AFLW playing guernseys throughout the 2019 season.