Class of 2014 Honoured At MCG

Elisabeth Murdoch College trainee Ryan Larkins has been awarded AFL SportsReady’s 2014 Victorian Trainee of the Year award at a special graduation ceremony at the MCG.

Brook Taylor, Elisabeth Murdoch College’s Director of Sport said Ryan, who continues to work at the college, had excelled in his role at the school’s Sports Department.

“We could tell from the moment he walked through the door that Ryan would be a great fit for our college.” Ms Taylor said.   

“His selfless attitude in providing assistance to the department has seen him being labeled as the best trainee the school has ever had. We have partnered with the AFL SportsReady for nearly a decade and in that time we have hosted 17 trainees, which gives you an idea of just how much of an impact Ryan has made. Ms Taylor said.

“We are delighted that Ryan received the 2014 Trainee of the Year and we are excited to see where Ryan’s drive and commitment will take him.”

Holly Sperling was also recognised for her work with of Kyabram P-12 College, picking up the 2014 HostPLUS Rising Star award.

AFL SportsReady’s Victorian State Manager, Paul Broderick said “Holly has made a more than significant contribution to the college and demonstrated great initiative throughout the year.”

“She has earned the respect of her colleagues at Kyabram, where she made a real impact on both the primary & secondary campuses.”

This year over 188 Victorian trainees graduated from AFL SportsReady, with a further 222 graduating across the country.

The graduates completed studies in areas across sport and recreation, business, information technology, hospitality and horticulture, while undergoing traineeships at sporting organisations, schools and in the community and finance sectors.

Mr Broderick said choosing the annual award winners was never easy and the job was all the more challenging this year, with a high calibre group working with AFL SportsReady across the state.

AFL SportsReady CEO James Montgomery said “AFL SportsReady was passionate about helping young people create a rewarding career in sport, recreation, business and other industries and the company had  recently expanded into the arts and creative sector through a new specialised program, ArtsReady.”

“We are proud of the high number of our trainees who go on to further study or work in their chosen fields,” Mr Montgomery said.

“We are also proud to work in partnership with businesses and organisations across the state to ensure all graduates had the best chance of success in their chosen career.”

“The completion of their studies, whether it be at Certificate or Diploma level, along with the invaluable experience of a traineeship, will provide these students with a strong foundation for their future careers.

“As a national not-for-profit company we are driven to give all our trainees and students the best possible kick start to their career, which is why at AFL SportsReady you can expect real education, real jobs and real careers.” 

“The graduation ceremony is a fantastic way to recognise the achievements of these graduates, who have all worked hard to achieve success in their chosen areas, and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

DATE: Saturday 29 March, 2014
IMAGE 1: Ryan Larkins, 2014 Trainee of the Year and James Montgomery, CEO AFL SportsReady
IMAGE 2: Holly Sperling, 2014 HostPLUS Rising Star and James Montgomery

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