Hawthorn Football Club and TasTAFE Drysdale have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see both organisations partner over the 2016 AFL season.

The partnership aims to give TasTAFE Drysdale Events and Tourism student’s real life exposure to event planning through the opportunity to assist in the delivery of Hawthorn match-days at Aurora Stadium. 

Students will gain valuable experience and knowledge on how major events work through their involvement in creative concepts, logistics, marketing, community engagement and event management with their contribution to match-days assessed as part of their course.

Hawthorn Football Club’s Tasmanian Operations Manager David Cox said Hawthorn has a long history of working within the community in Tasmania.

“We’re thrilled to be able to contribute, in a tangible way, to the further education of Tasmanian students,” Cox said.

“Through this partnership students will be able to gain valuable experience working within the tourism and events industry that they never could before.

“They will also bring fresh new ideas to our match-day experience so it is a win for all involved.”

TasTAFE Drysdale Education Manager Christopher McGimpsey says he is excited to be partnering with Hawthorn.

“Our association with Hawthorn Football Club brings a new level of practical knowledge to our program,” McGimpsey said.

“The partnership will help bring to life learning opportunities in a way that will arm our students with real life hands-on experience through their work in helping deliver some elements of the four Hawthorn match day events in 2016.”

David Cox and Tasmanian operations administrator, Emma Miller, will run a number of seminars for students on the link between tourism and events in conjunction with the hands on experience they will provide during match-days.

Students will be involved in the Hawthorn matches against St Kilda on 16 April, Fremantle on 14 May, Gold Coast Suns on 26 June and Carlton on 30 July 2016.