From Classroom to Clubhouse: How Carlton College of Sport Fuels VFL and VFLW Talent
The Carlton College of Sport (CCoS), a partnership between La Trobe University and the Carlton Football Club, offers students a unique blend of academic study and elite football training at IKON Park. Through its Football Development Program, students access professional coaching, high-performance facilities, and tailored athletic support, preparing them for careers in sport both on and off the field. With notable alumni now playing in the VFL, VFLW, and AFLW, CCoS has become a proven pathway for aspiring footballers, combining education, inclusion, and elite development to shape the future of Victorian football.
The Carlton College of Sport (CCoS), a dynamic partnership between La Trobe University and the Carlton Football Club, has become a cornerstone of talent development in Victorian football. Based at IKON Park, CCoS offers students a rare opportunity to study and train within a professional sporting environment, translating directly into success for Carlton’s VFL and VFLW teams.
A Pathway with Purpose
The Football Development Program at CCoS bridges the gap between education and elite sport. Students gain access to Carlton’s high-performance facilities, coaching staff, and match-day operations, allowing them to develop both athletic and professional capabilities. This immersive model has become a powerful launchpad for aspiring footballers.
“The Football Development Program offered through CCoS has become a proven pathway for aspiring athletes to reach the elite level, with several graduates progressing into the VFLW program at Carlton. By providing high-quality coaching, education, and exposure, the program equips players with the tools needed to thrive in a professional environment. These success stories highlight the strength of the partnership and the opportunities it creates for young talent to excel on and off the field". - Aasta O'Connor VFLW Senior Coach
Program Structure: A Year of Elite Development
Running alongside the College’s diploma courses, the program requires students to commit an additional one to two days per week to elite football activities. These sessions are led by Carlton Football Club’s coaching and high-performance staff and take full advantage of the Club’s world-class facilities.
Key components include:
- Football education and game vision
- Craft and skills training
- 1:1 development coaching
- Injury rehabilitation and recovery
- Strength, conditioning, and athletic development
High-Performance Support: Elevating Every Athlete
At the heart of the program is a robust High-Performance Program, designed to support athletes through the physical and mental demands of competitive football. Led by Carlton’s experienced staff, the program includes:
- Strength & Power Training – Building explosive athleticism
- Athletic Development – Long-term physical growth tailored to each athlete
- Conditioning – Aerobic and anaerobic training for modern football demands
- Physiotherapy & Injury Management – On-site support for prevention and recovery
- Athlete Monitoring – Data-driven insights into performance and workload
This holistic approach ensures athletes are not only prepared to perform but also educated in managing their bodies and minds like professionals.
Meet the Coaches: The Experts Behind Development
The success of the Football Development Program is driven by a team of experienced professionals who bring elite-level expertise and mentorship to every session:
- Torin Baker – AFL Development Coach & CCoS Coaching Lead
- Chloe Giles – Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Liam Heilberg – Athletic Performance Coach
- Pip Henderson – AFLW and CCoS Physiotherapist
- Glenn Strachan – AFLW Assistant Coach
Their combined experience ensures that students receive top-tier coaching and support, both on and off the field.
@carltoncollegeofsport Football Development Program: Main Training day!
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Building More Than Athletes
Beyond the field, CCoS prepares students for diverse careers in sport. Whether progressing into second-year university degrees, coaching roles, or sports administration, graduates leave with a toolkit for success. Programs like the Adam Saad Pathways Program further extend opportunities to multicultural youth, reinforcing the College’s commitment to inclusion and community development.
Football Outcomes: From Development to the Big Stage
The Football Development Program has consistently delivered strong outcomes, with many graduates progressing to state league and national-level competitions.
Notable alumni include:
- Annie Lee – AFLW | Collingwood
- Chloe Bailey – VFLW | Box Hill Hawks
- Zoe Bailey – VFLW | Casey Demons
- Davin Cameron – VFL | Coburg Lions
- Henco Cronje – VFL | Northern Bullants
- Angus Grant – VFL | Frankston
- Kristy Whitehead – VFLW | Port Melbourne
These athletes join a growing list of CCoS alumni who have represented Carlton in the VFL and VFLW, including:
- VFL - Heath Ramshaw (VFL Captain), Darcy Hogg, Jess Gedi, Hayden Gill, Jack Maruff
- VFLW - Evie Lee, Matilda Connell, Roxy Maslin, Georgia Tait, Isabella Khoury, Madison Katerelos
Their success is a testament to the program’s ability to prepare athletes for the demands of elite football — physically, mentally, and professionally.
The Carlton College of Sport is more than an educational institution - it’s a talent incubator for the Carlton Football Club and beyond. As more students follow in the footsteps of Ramshaw, Lee, Connell, and others, the bond between the classroom and the clubhouse continues to strengthen, shaping the future of football in Victoria.
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