Western United Football Club

Having formed a partnership in late 2019 at the commencement of the Western United Football Club’s (WUFC) inaugural season, Victoria University Polytechnic is delighted to continue to partner with WUFC in the A-League Men competition.

The club concluded its third season in the league, with its first piece of silverware. A two goal win against Melbourne City saw WUFC crowned champions at the 2021/2022 Isuzu UTE A-League Men Grand Final.

The WUFC A-League Women team also played in their first Liberty A-League Women Grand Final for their inaugural 2022/2023 season.

Together we share a passion and commitment to Melbourne’s west and the greater western region of Victoria by supporting and contributing to the prosperity and vibrancy of one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

Western United is dedicated to growing the world game in the region, including in the regional towns of Geelong and Ballarat. Plans for a world-class stadium in Tarneit will provide widespread infrastructure, economic and community benefits to Wyndham and beyond.

The partnership will provide University staff and students with special opportunities to engage with one of the newest clubs in the A-League.

Josh Risdon and Allesandro Diamanti

Education

A number of current Western United players and studying at Victoria University or are VU Alumni.

Western United players are encouraged to prepare for a career after soccer (football), including continuing their education. Our Elite Athlete program helps players who study at VU to balance study with training and competition demands, by offering flexible study options and career development support.

In 2020 the impact Covid-19 had on the A-League forced the season to end abruptly and provided an opportunity for the partnership to evolve which lead to WUFC and VU Polytechnic collaborating to develop a series of remote-delivered leadership and professional development short courses to enhance the capability of the club’s people.

Moving forward this partnership will provide further opportunities for VU Polytechnic to engage WUFC staff in short course training.

Find out more information about the VU Polytechnic short courses available.

Community

Western United player and current Victoria University student Josh Risdon participated in the VU in the Community Kids Active Recess initiative by VU in the Community to provide free, informative videos for the whole community.

Josh Risdon from Western United Football Club go through exercises kids can do at home, including foot skills, passing and soccer tricks in the following video:

Kids Active Recess: Josh Risdon - Transcript

Supporting Western United, from training to recovery

I’ve gained confidence and skills in teamwork, leadership and communication. It’s also strengthened and confirmed my interest in working in professional sports organisations.

Kate Yung — PhD (Sports Medicine)

Kate's story