Ford
FORD ACADEMY
Driving the future of Australian Rugby
Launched in March 2007, the Ford Academy is an initiative formed in collaboration between the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and Ford Australia. This broadening of Ford Australia’s long standing partnership with Australian rugby encompasses their sponsorship of the ARU Elite Player Development Programs including; the Ford National Talent Squad (NTS), Ford Australian Under 20's and Ford National Under 16's Championship. These programs form part of the Ford Academy range of new initiatives including:
Ford U16 and U20 Player Awards
The Ford Academy has created National Awards to recognise the achievements of Ford Academy players in the U/16’s and U20's categories. The Ford U16’s Player of the Year will be announced after the Australian U16's Championships.
Ford is a proud sponsor of Australian Under 20's team and their continued support is a bonus for Australian Rugby. ARU's Elite Player Development Manager Manu Sutherland, said the Ford Academy was a fantastic opportunity to drive the development of Australia's elite, young players. "This partnership with Ford Australia enables us to build on the programs currently in place to identify and develop high-calibre talent for future national teams,” Sutherland said. “It's a great recognition of the extensive work the ARU puts into developing young players and an important aspect in maintaining our competitiveness at the Wallaby and Super 14 levels”, he said.
Ford Australia President Bill Osborne is enthusiastic about the Ford Academy. "Ford has been a partner of the ARU since 1993 and we are delighted to be a major supporter of this initiative," he said. "Ford is committed to the ongoing development of rugby in Australia and we are pleased to be involved in driving the future of Australian Rugby."
For more information visit the Ford website.
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Alfi Malfi leaves the South Africans trailing during the U19's World Championship in 2007 | James Hanson breaks through for the Ford Australian Under 19's during the U19's World Championship in 2007 |
