If you are interested in studying physical education, sports coaching or you are an athlete yourself, there are few places in the world better than Australia to become the best. You would join a population devoted to sport in one form or another, and the last Olympics is adding to the already feverish excitement and pride in this country's athletic achievements. But there are many more reasons to come to the Land Down Under to study and train.

The climate here is anything from alpine to tropical, although most of the country has moderate temperatures most of the year. There are snow covered mountains for winter sports in the mountains of New South Wales and Victoria, and Queensland is tropical for training in the heat. The Top End, as it's called, does have a rainy season, but during the dry periods, athletes go up there to get used to the heat before important competitions. Most of the populations centres in this great land are on the coastal fringe, so sea breezes keep temperatures at moderate levels, usually in the 20° - 30° range. In Sydney, athletes train outdoors year-round, and there's enough sunshine for everyone. Melbourne, in the southern part of the country, does get colder, but most Europeans would consider our cold to be quite mild and refreshing. Adelaide gets both hotter and colder than Sydney, but the temperatures still are not extreme.

While lots of people think of Crocodile Dundee when they consider Australia, the country is young and well-developed with superior infrastructure. The roads and public services are top class and public transport is not only abundant but inexpensive. Housing here depends on your budget, but you would be pleasantly surprised at what you can afford. Additionally, there are many services to help people settle in to their new environment.

The facilities here are world-class for just about any sport you could think of. Each state has its own Institute of Sport, which are typically open to the public for training. The local councils also provide well-kept grounds for field sports such as soccer and the other four codes of football played here, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Australian Rules, and American Gridiron. Swimming pools abound and many are heated for winter training, although you have to be careful because swimming is so popular that you could find yourself in very fast company!

Running tracks, velodromes and gymnasia are easily found and you'll find them modern and well-maintained. Open water sports are also very active, with numerous deep water races throughout the year. There are few, if any, countries where so much government and private money is devoted to sporting facilities. Another wonderful consideration is that almost all facilities are designed for easy access by those with disabilities. With the coming Sydney Olympics, you can be assured that regardless of your sport, a world standard facility will be nearby.

The people of Australia are wonderfully open and friendly. Getting information and making friends simply requires you to speak up. The people are courteous and always willing to make new friends and you will find yourself included, probably from the day you arrive, in whatever local sporting group you associate with. If your English is not very good, there are numerous ethnic communities in every large city and English Language classes are readily available to those who want to improve their skills.

The training for sports people, coaches and physical educators is at the cutting edge of technology. Universities and specialist private colleges offer courses in all phases of sports, from the sciences to social aspects. Private colleges such as the Australian College of Physical Education prepare students to become physical education teachers, sports coaches and dance teachers, but whether you study at one of the large universities or a small college, your education will be recognised around the world as first rate. The scientific study of sports activity uses leading edge technology to produce the highest level of performance possible. Because it isn't just the body but also the mind that determines how a person performs, sports psychology is also an arena of intense interest and study. Sports as a business is also studied and professional sports are developing and maturing into well-organised businesses making profits and promoting sports and their respective communities.

Perhaps the best reason to come to Australia is the lifestyle. If you are interested in sport, either as an athlete, coach or spectator, this is the place for you. Regardless of what sport you may follow, there will be someone here to share your interests. Sports in Australia is a way of life and you will never feel out of place here. And when it's time to relax, the beaches and many tourist destinations within the Great South Land are beckoning and ready for your visit.

Author

James M Sockler, PhD
Principal, Australian College of Physical Education

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