American Football Australia (AFA), in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and The University of Canberra, has launched a unique PhD scholarship opportunity focusing on skill acquisition in American Football. The program will centre on the National Men’s and Women’s Flag Football teams as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, offering a valuable case study for the development of elite skill programs.

Flag Football, recognised as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, is gaining significant momentum globally. As Australian teams aim to compete at the highest level against dominant nations such as the United States, the scholarship aims to establish a world-class skill acquisition program. The research will explore how best to enhance player skills and provide insights into the broader field of team sport development.

The scholarship offers a rare opportunity to delve deeply into American Football, contribute to the shaping of elite-level training practices, and be part of an exciting new chapter in the sport’s evolution in Australia. Interested candidates can apply via the SportsPeople platform, with the chance to make a significant impact on the future of Flag Football and its international competition.

This initiative represents a strategic step towards elevating the performance of Australian teams and highlights the growing importance of skill acquisition in competitive sports.

How will it work?

The PhD candidate will be enrolled through the University of Canberra but will work closely with American Football Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport. The program will commence early 2025.

For more information or to apply – click here.

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