Sports College South Australia (SCSA) is proud to announce a new sponsorship of South Adelaide Football Club. This agreement brings together two organisations that share a strong commitment to youth development, community connection and the positive impact of sport. As a school built on the belief that learning and high-performance sport can work hand-in-hand, SCSA is excited to align with one of South Australia’s most respected SANFL clubs. 

Shared Values and Purpose 

At SCSA, we believe that sport is a powerful vehicle for personal growth. South Adelaide Football Club shares that belief. Both organisations are committed to developing not only talented athletes, but confident, resilient and well-rounded young people. 

This sponsorship reflects a natural alignment between our school and the Panthers, built on mutual respect and a shared focus on helping young people succeed – on the field, in the classroom and in the community. 

Our AFL Program  

South Adelaide Football Club plays an important role in the delivery of our senior AFL program. 

For a number of years, Sports College South Australia has proudly operated its Year 11 and 12 AFL venue out of South Adelaide Football Club. This provides our senior students with access to a genuine football environment, high-quality facilities and a setting that mirrors the standards and expectations of community and elite sport. 

Training and learning within a SANFL club environment gives our students valuable exposure to the culture, professionalism and pathways associated with the game. This sponsorship formalises that long-standing connection and highlights the strong relationship that already exists between our two organisations. 

An Authentic Connection 

What makes this sponsorship particularly meaningful is the people who bring it to life. 

Several members of our SCSA team are also actively involved at South Adelaide Football Club. Their dual roles mean the connection between our school and the club is genuine, practical and built on real experience. 

Xavier Wagner plays a key role at SCSA as a Student Mentor, supporting young people to balance their education, wellbeing and sporting ambitions. With a background that includes administration and football roles at Port Adelaide Football Club and Adelaide United, as well as extensive playing and coaching experience, Xavier understands the demands placed on aspiring athletes. 

At South Adelaide, Xavier has been heavily involved in the junior pathway program since 2023. After beginning as Head Coach of the U13 Boys Development Squad and shadowing the U18 coaching group during their 2023 SANFL Premiership season, he progressed to Head Coach of the inaugural U14 Boys team in 2024. 

In 2025 he was promoted to Assistant Coach of the U18s, leading the forward line, and in 2026 he continues in that role while completing his AFL Level 3 Coaching Accreditation. Xavier’s passion lies in helping young people become not only better footballers, but outstanding individuals – a philosophy perfectly aligned with SCSA.  

Jaslynne Smith brings invaluable perspective and lived experience to her role as a Student Mentor at SCSA. She understands firsthand the challenges of balancing study, training, and the pressures of pursuing sport at a high level. 

Since leaving school, Jaslynne has built an outstanding football career with South Adelaide Football Club’s SANFLW program. In 2025 she made SANFLW history by becoming the first player in the competition to reach 100 games, a testament to her durability, consistency and elite performance in defence. Most notably, she became the first SANFLW player in South Adelaide’s long history to be inducted as a Club Life Member, a milestone that recognises her exceptional contribution both on and off the field. 

Alongside her playing career, Jaslynne has embraced a range of coaching opportunities, developing a passion for helping and empowering young people to reach their potential. Her unique blend of athletic achievement, leadership, community involvement and mentoring experience makes her a powerful role model for SCSA students navigating their own sporting and learning journeys. 

Tim Weatherald brings a wealth of experience to his teaching role at SCSA, with 23 years in education and an outstanding football resume. 

A celebrated figure in SANFL football, Tim played 311 league games across the Sturt and Norwood Football Clubs, highlighted by a premiership and winning the Magarey Medal in 2002 — the SANFL’s most prestigious individual award for the fairest and most brilliant player. 

Alongside his teaching role at SCSA, he is the Assistant Coach – Midfield for the South Adelaide League Men’s team, entering his second year in the position. His extensive background across SANFL, AFLW and high-performance coaching environments provides invaluable knowledge and leadership for our students. 

Matthew Broadbent brings elite-level experience to both organisations. Across an impressive 11-year AFL career with Port Adelaide, Matthew played 171 games at the highest level, earning a reputation as a skilful, composed and highly respected team player. Known for his professionalism and work ethic, he understands firsthand what it takes to perform in demanding high-performance environments. 

After finishing his AFL career, Matthew continued playing and contributing at South Adelaide from 2020–2023, before transitioning fully into coaching and mentoring roles. At SCSA, he works as a Student Mentor, supporting young people to develop the habits, mindset and balance required for success both in sport and in life beyond school. 

At South Adelaide he is currently Assistant Coach of the Men’s Senior Team, leading the forward line alongside Tim Weatherald and the broader coaching group. Matthew’s blend of AFL experience, community football involvement and genuine passion for youth development makes him a great role model for aspiring athletes within our program. 

A Relationship That Benefits Students  

Having staff who are actively involved in both SCSA and South Adelaide Football Club ensures this sponsorship is grounded in real relationships and shared values. 

For our students, it means learning from mentors and teachers who understand the demands of high-level football environments and who are connected to the local football community. 

Looking Ahead 

We are thrilled to formalise our connection with South Adelaide Football Club and to continue providing our AFL students with the opportunity to train and learn within an authentic SANFL setting. 

This sponsorship reflects our commitment to delivering genuine sporting experiences while ensuring education remains at the centre of everything we do. With AFL program venues located at South Adelaide Football Club, West Adelaide Football Club, Edwardstown Football Club and Broadview, students have access to high-quality facilities and environments that mirror real community and elite pathways. 

Enrolments for 2027 are now open, and we invite prospective students and families to come along to an upcoming Information Session to find out more about our Year 11 and 12 AFL Program. It’s a chance to explore how you can complete your SACE alongside like-minded individuals who share a genuine passion for sport, learning and personal growth. 

To register for an Information Session or learn more about enrolment opportunities, visit our website or contact the SCSA team today.