Australian fencing welcomes student administrator

Sports business student Geordie Middleton has completed an internship with the Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) in what’s believed to be a first for the organisation.

With limited opportunities available in the sports sector this year, the AFF was pleased to offer Geordie, an enthusiastic final year student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), an adapted internship opportunity.

“Taking on an intern is definitely a commitment,” AFF President Vince Elias says, “but it’s important to support the next generation of sports administrators”.

Geordie’s degree required him to complete a 210-hour internship with a relevant organisation, a hurdle which seemed insurmountable as Australia’s sporting organisations grappled with COVID-19 and its impacts.

“Timing was not in my favour,” Geordie says. “No sporting organisations were advertising internships, and it took me a full semester to find (one) willing to take me on.”

Geordie’s time with the AFF gave him insight into how a not-for-profit sport is run and how the AFF adapted to the limitations of a COVID-19 environment. He also worked closely with the AFF’s national coaches to learn more about the sport itself, helping with the drafting of a revised coaching accreditation syllabus.

“Although I had no prior experience with the sport of fencing, I was excited and grateful to be able to learn about a new sport and gain some crucial experience about the business side of fencing,” Geordie says.

For more information about potential internship opportunities, please send through a resume and cover letter to operations@fencing.org.au

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