25 June 2025

From OWeek to lifelong friendships: How Wattle Park AFC made Deakin feel like home

Starting university can be exciting, but it may also come with its fair share of challenges — especially when you’re finding your feet in a new environment. For many Deakin students, Wattle Park Amateurs Football Club (AFC) has been a welcoming community and a source of support. Joining the club helped ease the transition to university life, as Deakin Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) student Mason Laursen discovered firsthand (Mason pictured on the right with fellow Deakin student and player Jem Sibley on the left).

To say my university experience would have been significantly harder without Wattle Park AFC is an understatement. The challenging transition from the country to Deakin Res was supported by the club, whose welcoming smiles provided a sense of family and belonging right from the first day of OWeek.

Supporting student wellbeing, on and off the field

Wattle Park AFC isn’t just any local footy club, it’s practically powered by Deakin students. Of the 110 players, 71 are Deakin-connected. 39 of those are current students (including three international students) who mostly live and study on campus.

These students aren’t just showing up to train and play—they’re being supported every step of the way with discounted Thursday meals, free on-site physio and osteo, and access the Mental Health Fund.

The club has fostered relationships that I still value today, with some even extending beyond university and the footy club, making me feel that Deakin is where I truly belong.

Kickstarting careers through real-world experience

For students like Mason, the club has also been a place to explore creative passions, including photography and graphic design, beyond the footy field. That hands-on learning extends to other areas too. In 2025:

• Two Sport Management students are interning with the club’s admin team

• Two Exercise and Sport Science students are gaining valuable experience in the club’s medical team

• All three senior sports trainers are Deakin graduates.

Don’t miss Wattle Park’s Community & Past Players Day!

Want to see what Wattle Park AFC is all about? Head down to Community & Past Players Day on Saturday 5 July at Bennettswood Reserve.

There’ll be food, fun and plenty of ways to get involved, including:

• Games and skills challenges with prizes

• Info desk for newcomers to learn more about AFL and the Wattle Park AFC

• Club memberships and merch available on the day

• A food and social hub so you can grab something to eat, meet the team and hang out with other students

It’s a great opportunity to experience the Wattle Park vibe, especially if you’re new to AFL or looking to connect with Deakin’s international and local community in a different way.

Follow Wattle Park AFC on Instagram and Facebook, or email them at wattleparkafc@gmail.com if you need more information.