Sports Tech College partners with Sunshine Coast Council
Australia has emerged as a global leader in sports tech, driven by innovation and a passion for sports. The sports tech industry is booming due to technological advancements, with the industry valued at an estimated $4.25 billion. This growth is largely fueled by the demand for data-driven insights in professional sports. The surge in technology adoption is creating significant job opportunities, with more than 13,000 people already employed in the sector.
Sunshine coast council’s collaboration with Sports Tech College
To support the growth of this industry and prepare young Australians for future careers, Sunshine Coast Council has partnered with Sports Tech College.
This collaboration aims to deliver a specialised sports technology curriculum for primary and secondary schools in the region, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Funded by the Sunshine Coast Council, schools will be able to access the program over the next three years.
Sports Tech College Founder Matt Dobell said, “These both offer significant opportunities for sports technology sector entrepreneurs and educators like us. Teaching today’s school students practical, job-ready knowledge and digital practice is critical to their development and understanding of future technologies and possibilities.”
He added, “Working with Sunshine Coast Council, we have been able to customise content so that all school students can explore, celebrate, and build sustainable solutions through the lens of sports technology, giving them a natural competitive edge when preparing for their future careers.”
“Imagine, by 2032, having thousands of young professionals and volunteers from the Sunshine Coast with a deep respect and passion for sports technology and digital transformation. This is an opportunity for teachers and schools to have made a meaningful, lasting contribution to our next generation of leaders for Queensland and Australia.”
Sports technology towards 2032
The Sports Technology Towards 2032 curriculum is designed to give students practical, hands-on experience in sports tech. Available to students from 5 to 10 years old, this elective course covers a wide range of topics, including sports analytics, wearable technology, and digital health.
By introducing sports technology at a young age, students gain exposure to cutting-edge innovations that will be pivotal in their future careers. The programme offers a stepping stone for students interested in pursuing further education in fields such as sports performance analytics or digital health. The ability to collect and analyse data in real time allows teams to make informed decisions, optimise performance, and reduce the risk of injury.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said, “Technology, data, IoT and AI are some of the fastest growing tech industry sectors within sports, health, gaming and entertainment. We are committed to building future-ready, world-class students who understand the real world today and the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Natoli added, “The micro-credential programme aligns with the Council’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the local economy with tech education highly relevant for our emerging knowledge and digital economies identified in the Sunshine Coast Regional Development Strategy 2013-2033.”
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will serve as a catalyst for job creation in the sports tech industry. Thousands of new jobs are expected to be created, not only for sports tech specialists but also in related industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment.
Digital health platforms are transforming the way athletes and sports organisations approach health and fitness. From telemedicine to AI-powered health analytics, digital health tools allow for more personalised and efficient care. In the sports world, these technologies help athletes track their recovery, manage injuries, and improve their overall well-being.
The demand for skilled professionals in sports analytics, wearable technology, and digital health is expected to skyrocket, making it an exciting time for students entering the field.