A nationwide first of its kind research centre has made its way to the Maribyrnong Sports Academy.
On Tuesday, October 24, the school community launched the Maribyrnong College Sports Academy Research Centre, which will host and develop a body of academic research with university partners.
Present and future students will benefit from research into skill development, injury prevention, rehab, nutrition and academic performance.
Victoria University senior researcher Dr Paul Larkin said he has been affiliated with the sports academy for six years, during which time he has investigated how to better develop student athletes.
“We noticed there was a gap in research into young athletes and certain topics,” he said.
“We wanted to create a space to be at the forefront of research, to drive some of the things that we see on a daily basis, which will help us in the work we do and also inform the rest of the world or the faculty community around what might be best practices.”
The team will be joined by researchers from around the world, including from Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, Victoria University, Latrobe University and others.
Director Mark McAllion said school staff have been involved in projects relating to the research topics for the past five years, and the centre will formalising the concept for wider use.
“A lot of the research will focus on how we can improve the program for our student athletes,“ he said.
“The more research and knowledge we have in this area, will provide outcomes for teenage athletes in both secondary schools and universities.
“More research based decision making within our programmes is going to be a win for the current students, and also help us set the place to be better for future students.”
Jennifer Pittorino
