Young people in care offered new pathways to sporting careers

A new partnership between the South Australian Government and SEDA College SA, allows young people in care to direct their passion for sport towards a career in the industry.

Under the SEDA College SA Scholarship Program, up to ten young people in care will be able to pursue their secondary education through study and workplace training in the sporting streams of netball, soccer, football (AFL) cricket and basketball.

SEDA College launched in South Australia in 2019, introducing a new model of learning to senior secondary students completing their SACE. Immersed in the sport and recreation industry, SEDA College provides a hands-on learning environment, empowering students to develop strong networks and inspire success. 

SEDA College SA students complete their Year 12 education while also participating in work experience in the industry and gaining VET qualifications.

Through the scholarship, SEDA College SA will provide young people in care with full tuition and learning support, laptops, textbooks, uniforms and excursions, plus traineeships with industry sporting partners. Scholarships commence in year 11 and continue until the young person completes year 12.

The department’s partnership with SEDA College SA builds on the success of the inaugural DCP Scholarships Program with Catholic Education South Australia.

Since it launched in 2020, this program has provided 140 scholarships to children and young people in care.

The program is now being extended to include other non-government primary and secondary schools, such as SEDA College SA.

South Australian Minister for Child Protection Rachel Sanderson said scholarships with non-government schools can help broaden educational options for children and young people in care and match them with the learning environment that best meets their needs.

Minister Sanderson notes “the partnership with SEDA College SA will provide our young people with unique access to training and development opportunities with major sporting clubs and bodies such as Adelaide Crows, Adelaide Lightning, Basketball SA and South Australian Cricket Association.

“The chance to focus their education and future career aspirations in this way can provide life-changing opportunities for a young person in care.”

SEDA College SA Principal Matthew Daly added “we are really excited to be able to give enthusiastic sports-minded young people in care the chance to follow their passion and build a career in sports.”

South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) General Manager of Community Cricket Shane Bernhardt said the association was proud to support SEDA College SA’s innovative education program and advised “we believe a love for cricket can inspire young people in care to develop resilience and motivation at school.”