Essendon is bringing a virtual classroom to students across Victoria in 2021, building on last year’s successful launch of The Flight Deck – an interactive, digital version of the Train Like a Bomber program traditionally delivered at the NEC Hangar.
With 230 students participating in term four last year, The Flight Deck promises to again provide users with content unique to the Bombers.
It will provide an eight-lesson secondary physical education program focusing on the lifecycle of the elite athlete, physiological training, physiological testing, movement, performance psychology, nutrition, culture and game day.
School teachers can register their interest here.
Below are some testimonials from Train Like a Bomber users.
Andrew Browne – SEDA College teacher
“My students found it really easy to use and engaging. The topics on the pathway taken by an elite athlete to get drafted into the AFL, psychology in sport and game day were of particular interest to my cohort. They were able to work through at their own pace and choose topics relevant to them which they enjoyed and provided positive feedback on.
“As a teacher, I was also able to extend their knowledge further on topics they wanted to explore more. For example, we looked further into nutrition with students creating their own healthy meals to link it back to the work they did on the TLAB portal and provide an opportunity for students to practically apply what they had learnt. We did the same for pathways and had students involved in the AFL pathway system provide their knowledge and experience to help educate their peers.
“Lastly, we linked the leadership in a sporting setting back to our classroom environment and how we all can play a leadership role at school but also in the wider community.”
Shane Abdilla – Football development manager, AFL Victoria
“The Train Like a Bomber program is an excellent virtual initiative that provides students with the opportunity to actively learn, comprehend and practise the day-to-day AFL player lifestyle in the school environment.
“It gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the day-to-day life of an AFL player, actively learning to train, play and study like their favourite stars.”
