The Brisbane Lions are thrilled to launch a new partnership with Ausenco, which joins the Club as the official sponsor of the Brisbane Lions Academy.
Since its establishment in 2010, the Brisbane Lions Academy has helped develop many players and football staff members who have gone on to the AFL and AFLW.
Ausenco, a global engineering and consulting company based out of Brisbane, is excited to play a role in seeing more graduates in the academy.
“Like us, the Brisbane Lions are passionate about finding and developing young talent,” said Zimi Meka, Ausenco Co-founder and CEO.
“Supporting organisations like the Lions aligns well with our values as an organisation – giving great people great opportunities.
“The Brisbane Lions Academy started with a bag of footballs and a laptop. 30 years ago, we were similar – a couple of engineers and a big plan. Now we’re more than three thousand people around the world.
“We’re happy to support organisations who have that same vision and passion for developing people.”
Lions AFL players who started their professional football careers in the Academy include Co-Captain Harris Andrews, forward Eric Hipwood and defender Keidean Coleman, who all played in last month's Grand Final.
Some of the academy graduates in Brisbane’s AFLW program are Vice-Captain Nat Grider, Sophie Conway, Belle Dawes, Jade Ellenger and Lily Postlethwaite.
Brisbane Lions Academy Manager, Bill Renner, said having Ausenco come on board was a huge boost to allow the program to continue to enhance the lives of many.
“On the surface the academy exists solely to provide draftable athletes to AFL/AFLW programs, however we are much more than that,” Renner said.
“As well as providing draftable talent, we also exist to keep the best talent in Queensland, to develop athletes that enhance the standard of QAFL/W and community football and to provide opportunities for staff and volunteer professional development.
“Ausenco is about giving great people great opportunities, we are the same at the Academy.
“Without corporate support through companies like Ausenco, we wouldn’t be able to provide the 550-plus aspiring footballers the chance to grow and learn under the guidance of our 85 coaches, team managers, physios, trainers, strength and conditioning coordinators, youth workers, sports psychologists and nutritionists.”
The Ausenco logo will feature proudly on the playing and training shorts for all Brisbane Lions Academy members.
More about Ausenco
Ausenco is a global company that redefines what’s possible. Our team is based in 26 offices in 15 countries, with projects worldwide. Combining our deep technical expertise with a 30-year track record, we provide innovative value-added consulting studies, project delivery, asset operations and maintenance solutions to the mining and metals and industrial sectors. We find a better way.
