The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have been recognised for their work with students in Western Sydney with a UWS Excellence in Partnership Award.
 
The GIANTS were nominated for their collaboration with the University of Western Sydney (UWS) on a number of programs to assist the learning and knowledge of students in the Sports Management program.
 
Students in the Strategic Communication in Sport Management unit at UWS attended GIANTS games at Spotless Stadium to analyse communication methods and behaviour of sports consumers.
 
They also participated in `mock’ media conferences with Head Coach Leon Cameron and GIANTS Director and inaugural Head Coach Kevin Sheedy at the GIANTS Learning Life Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
 
The GIANTS also helped build the experiences and networks of UWS students through work experience at the club and a number of student projects investigating sports spectator attendance.  The GIANTS have also provided support for UWS students participating in study tours to Vietnam, including introducing AFL to Vietnamese students.
 
Nine GIANTS players also started a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree at UWS in 2014.
 
Chief Executive David Matthews thanked UWS for its partnership which includes the club’s reserves team known as the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL.
 
“We value our partnership with UWS very highly because of the important educational opportunities it provides for people across Western Sydney,” Matthews said.
 
“We want to continue to work with UWS to build these opportunities and provide support for students in this region as well as assist our players with opportunities to further their own development and education away from football.
 
“We want to build a great club like no other. A club that wins premierships and delivers best family entertainment but also enriches the lives of people in Western Sydney, Canberra and our broader communities.”
 
The UWS Excellence in Partnership Award follows the GIANTS’ recent Australian Multicultural Marketing Award for their promotion of AFL Multicultural Round.