Australian Institute of Sport (Association Football Program)

Football club infobox
clubname = Australian Institute of Sport


fullname = Australian Institute of
Sport Football Program
nickname = AIS
founded = 1981
ground = Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra
capacity = | chairman =
mgrtitle = Head Coach
manager = Ray Junna
captain = Luke DeVere | league = Victorian Premier League
season = 2007
position = 12th
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pattern_la2=|pattern_b2=|pattern_ra2=
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The Australian Institute of Sport (Association Football Program) is run by the Australian Institute of Sport, in Canberra, for Australian youth players. The AIS runs this program for both men and women: the men's program was one of the eight founding sports of the AIS in 1981, with the women's program being added in 1998.

History

The AIS football program is funded by the Australian Federal Government, through the Australian Sports Commission. In 2005-2006 this funding amounted to AU$1,115,000. [http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/fight-brews-between-powerbrokers-and-taxpayers/2006/06/30/1151174393651.html Net loss: let games begin] , "SMH", July 1, 2006] Currently, 20 students per year are selected for an initial period of 12 months training and study, with the additional option of a second year. The men's program is residential, while the women's is training camp-based. Students are generally 15-17 years old when selected and the only compulsory requirement is that they have current, or pending, Australian citizenship.

The original stated aim of the men's program was

"To identify and develop players for the national under-20 youth team and to develop coaches through the Scholarship Coaching scheme"."

National Representation

Following the decision of several football graduates to represent other countries at a senior national level (eg. Josip Simunic), the AIS implemented contracts whereby the cost of the scholarship will have to be repaid by any graduate that goes on to play football at a senior level representing a country other than Australia, in international competition. [http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,17804434-23215,00.html Croatia warned away from 'kindie'] , "Daily Telegraph", January 13, 2006]

Victorian Premier League

The men's program had previously entered a team in the New South Wales Premier League competition in 2005. In 2007 the AIS entered a team into the Victorian Premier League. This would allow regular, weekly competitive matches that were lacking for previous scholarship holders. [http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=78334 AIS get VPL spot] , "The World Game", November 21, 2006] As part of their inclusion as the only non-Victorian team in the VPL competition, all 'home' fixtures were played in Victoria for the 2007 season. The side struggled for consistency throughout the season, finishing 12th on the ladder, however great benefit was reportedly gained from the participation in a men's competition.

The men's program team again competed in the Victorian Premier League competition for 2008, with home matches played in Canberra at the Australian Institute of Sport. [citeweb| url=http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/competitions/fixtures/ |title=Foxtel Cup Fixtures 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-20]

Players

2008 Scholarship Holders

: * Not an original scolarship holder, but was invited to play in the squad for VPL matches

2007 Scholarship Holders

2006 Scholarship Holders

Notable Former Players

: *Represented Country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

References

External links

* [http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/sports/football_men/home Official Website]