The Brisbane Lions are excited to start 2016 by announcing that the Simon Black Australia Rules Academy has signed-on as a Pre-season sponsor.

The Simon Black Academy is Australia’s first private footy academy for young men and women age 16 or over who want to take their football to an elite level whilst completing further studies.

“We launched the academy for all those players who, for whatever reason, have not had an opportunity to be part of an AFL academy and train at an elite level," Black told lions.com.au

"Our goal is to give everyone the opportunity to follow their footy dream, whilst still getting educated with pathways onto university.”

The academy is now taking enrolments for Brisbane, Melbourne and Sunshine Coast for players of all skill levels for a January kick-off. 

Students will be coached and mentored by ex-AFL players and coaches 4 full-time days a week for 12 months, gaining exposure to training usually only available to elite players.

The sponsorship between the Lions and Blacky’s new football academy is the perfect partnership.

“The Brisbane Lions have been fantastic to me over my playing and coaching career and I’m pleased the Academy is able to come on board as a major pre-season sponsor of the Lions," said Black, who will still be coaching the Brisbane Lions in 2016.

"I’m definitely going to be at the Lions in 2016 and am focused on helping the team achieve success in the upcoming season.”

The sponsorship will span the Lion’s digital presence, including the club’s Pre-season Hub, which keep members and fans up to date with the latest on the team’s preparation for the upcoming NAB Challenge AFL Premiership season.

For more information and to register your interest in becoming a part of Blacky’s new footy academy visit www.australianrulesacademy.com.au/lions/