Elite Athlete Program assists Springfield students
Most students find it a challenge to combine work, study and a private life, but University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus Education student Liam Capewell has the added pressure of playing sport at an elite level.
The 21 year-old rugby league player used the USQ Elite Athlete Program to help him meet his study commitments while continuing to play football for the Gold Coast Titans, Burleigh Bears and Australian representative sides.
Liam said without the assistance he has received through the program he couldn't have continued studying while playing sport at this level.
'My first year at uni was full time on-campus and it happened to coincide with a boom year in my football career,' Liam said.
'I won a contract to play for the Titans and I wasn't sure how I could continue to study while I played football.
'Through the program I was able to let my lecturers know what my commitments to the club and work were and they helped me to structure my studies around that.
'I also went on a tour to England last year with the Australian University side which was a great experience, but the tour clashed with the end of semester exam block,' he said.
'Through the support I get from the Elite Athlete Program I was able to get a six month extension on my exams to do them during the next exam block.
'This was a real load off my mind and I was able to concentrate on playing – we won the series 2-1 against the Great Britain teams.
'I work three days a week and train four days with the Burleigh Bears. That leaves me with Mondays and Fridays to concentrate on my studies.
'I come to Springfield campus on those days and do a lot of my work then, and catch up with my lecturers via email.'
The former Ipswich Grammar School student said he hoped to score another Gold Coast Titans development contract this year.
Coordinator of the Elite Athlete program Sharon Brabon said the Elite Athlete Program at Springfield campus already had five students registered, including a swimmer, netballer, two rugby league players and a wheelchair rugby player.
'There are 86 students registered across all USQ campuses representing more than 30 sports.
'We also have performance artists and coaches in the scope of the program.'
Students who register with the program receive assistance in organising assessments, timetables, enrolment and examinations.
For an athlete to be recognised by the program they are identified by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), state or territory institute or academy of sport or a relevant national association.
'USQ will consider all sports and sporting commitments though,' she said.
'A report I prepared on the program last year indicated a 30 per cent increase in registration of elite athletes over the past 18 months.
'I've had a lot of good feedback from the students in terms of the benefits for them and its something they have used effectively.'
For more information about the USQ Elite Athlete program go to www.usq.edu.au/eliteathletes/ .
Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979