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Elite Sports Program

The SFXC Elite Sports Program (ESP) is designed to promote the holistic development of participants and give them the tools to achieve success in their chosen sport. This program is available to fully enrolled students in Years 7-12 at the College, offering a sports school environment to challenge and empower young athletes.

In 2026, our elite sports academy will offer the following sports:

AFL (partnered with Gippsland Power)

Soccer (partnered with Melbourne Victory)

Netball (partnered with Casey Netball)

Basketball (partnered with Melbourne United)

An exciting addition to our overall sports education opportunities, ESP has partnered with professional organisations to offer a quality coaching program and to provide further opportunities for participants who have potential to progress further with their sport.

Through our emerging athletes program, selected students will enhance their sports-specific skills with training sessions led by elite coaches. Additionally, the program provides ongoing expert advice on nutrition from our qualified nutritionist, movement skills with an exercise physiologist, and hands-on strength and conditioning sessions in our school gym.

For our Year 8, 9, and 10 students, the program will be seamlessly integrated into their regular timetable, allowing them to equally engage with athletic development and their other classes. Senior students will participate in a series of after-school masterclasses with our qualified team. 

Expressions of Interest are now open. Closing Date: Friday 12th June 2026

For more information, please contact our Admissions Team at 9707 3111.

 

 

Our Selection Process

Our sports program selection considers not only current athletic performance but also the potential for growth in high-performance sports, as well as the ability to balance sports commitments with academic responsibilities. We also place a strong emphasis on effort and behaviour.

Initial selection for in-person trials will be based on a detailed review of sporting achievements and information provided in the online application. If athletes progress to the next stage, they will be evaluated on:

  • Sport-Specific Training and Drills: Performance during targeted training sessions will play a crucial role in assessing each athlete’s skills and potential.
  • Academic Review: Maintaining a balance between sports and academics is essential. An evaluation of academic performance, effort, and overall commitment to schoolwork will be conducted to ensure candidates can meet both demands.

This thorough process ensures that only the most dedicated and well-rounded students are selected for our emerging athlete pathways.

Cost

There is no cost to participate in this program – costs are covered through student school fees. Participants in the program will need to purchase an ESP polo top which they will wear to all practical sessions. Cost will be $35.

Our Point of Difference

Our Elite Sports Program (ESP) stands out for its holistic, high-performance approach, providing student-athletes with the resources, expertise, and support needed to excel in their chosen sports. We partner with industry leaders to ensure that students have access to top-tier coaching, comprehensive training, and valuable insights into professional standards. Embedded directly into the school timetable, ESP allows students to develop their skills without compromising their core academics. With an emphasis on evidence-based methods, our program is designed to nurture both the physical and mental aspects of athletic growth, helping each student build a strong foundation for future success.

  • Expert coaching from Melbourne Victory, Dandenong Stingrays, Gippsland Power, Melbourne United and Casey Demons coaches
  • Links with external sports providers
  • Nutrition sessions with a qualified nutritionist
  • Strength and conditioning sessions with qualified coaches
  • ESP forms part of the timetable to allow students to develop their knowledge and craft of their sport in a school setting under expert guidance. The program takes one of the student elective places so students do not miss class time for their core subjects.
  • ESP is evidence-based and follows best practices relating to school sports academies.

Two male students participating in the AFL stream of St Francis Xavier College's Elite Sports Program.

 

AFL

Our AFL stream, developed in partnership with Gippsland Power, provides aspiring footballers with access to professional-level training and development. Guided by experienced coaches, they will refine core football skills, improve their game sense and build tactical awareness. The AFL training program is ideal for students who aim to pursue the game at an elite level.

Soccer

Aligned with A-League club Melbourne Victory, the soccer stream offers students the chance to train as professional footballers train, building their technique in all areas of the game. Our soccer training program combines conditioning, strategy and skill development into a well-rounded experience for the next stars of the pitch.

Basketball

Students in our basketball stream are supported and mentored by professionals from NBL powerhouse Melbourne United. They will take part in high-intensity skills training, as well as complementary strength and conditioning sessions, guided by professional knowledge. Our basketball training program provides a clear pathway for talented players to own the court.

Netball

Launching in 2026, our netball stream is designed to elevate the performance of aspiring athletes, with a professional partner to be announced. Focus will be placed on improving positioning, precision, teamwork, and strategic awareness, while also advising on injury prevention and strength. The netball training program will help turn athletic potential into on-court prowess.