Madison Ah Chee might only be aged 17, but she already has an impressive sporting and leadership resume, that includes representing South Australia in both netball and tennis; being selected as a ball kid at the 2023 Australian Open; and netball coaching since the age of 14.
So, it comes as no surprise that Madi - who has proud cultural connections to Kaurna, Ngadjuri, Narungga, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara communities – has been aspiring to a career in sport management since she undertook work experience at football clubs while at high school.
After graduating school, Madi enrolled in the Diploma in Sports Management through the Adelaide Crows Institute of Sports Business in conjunction with Adelaide University.
The one-year Diploma combines hands-on learning at the Crows West Lakes headquarters, with the latest industry insights to give students the opportunity to learn all about the business of sport.
Earlier this semester Madi was unveiled as the Kuwarna First Nations Scholarship recipient, marking the first year the Adelaide Football Club has offered the scholarship to support First Nations students embarking on their sport management career.
Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers said Madi’s selection reflected her outstanding commitment to community and her strong leadership in sport, with her story comprising years of involvement in Indigenous programs, and representative sports achievements including representing Ngadjuri at the SA Aboriginal Netball Carnival.
Silvers added the Kuwarna First Nations Scholarship was created not only to support First Nations students through their studies, but to increase pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into careers in sport.
“As the first-ever recipient, Madi is helping shape the identity, impact and aspirations of the scholarship for future students,” he said.
“Her leadership, lived experience, and sporting achievements make her a powerful role model for the program’s future.”
Madi said she was thrilled to now be named the inaugural Kuwarna First Nations Scholarship recipient.
“This scholarship will help me turn my passion for sport into a career that positively impacts athletes and the wider community,” she said.
“Having the Diploma paid for will help me financially and means I won’t have a study debt in the future – Mum and Dad were really happy for me.
“Winning this scholarship will allow me to be an ambassador for the program, and I look forward to sharing my experience with other young people who are looking to study sport management.”
Crows First Nations Programs Manager Jeremy Johncock said the Kuwarna First Nations Scholarship wasn’t just about the funding – it was also about creating change through opportunity.
“Underrepresentation of First Nations people remains a reality across many industries, including sport,” he said.
“Just as we celebrate role models on the field, we need champions off it, too.
“Representation matters, it shapes what people believe is possible for themselves and for others; you can’t be what you can’t see.”
For more information on the Diploma in Sport Management see adelaidecrowsinstituteofsportsbusiness.com.au
