From the stands to behind the scenes: Lauren Puli’s United journey

Lauren Puli has been a fan of Melbourne United since she attended an Open Air Game back in 2015. The game finished as a United win with Chris Goulding putting on a show, dropping 27 points against the Perth Wildcats. 

Through her childhood and adolescence she was always a part of the United faithful, attending holiday camps, pre-season games at her local club and going to meet and greets, where in 2019 she met one of her basketball idols in Goulding for the first time.

“[I’ve] played basketball for as long as I can remember,” Puli said. 

“I have been fortunate enough to go to both championship wins in 2018 and 2021… it has always been a thrill to watch the guys live in action.”
‍

‍

In 2026, through the Melbourne United Sport and Business Program, powered by SEDA, Puli met Goulding again, this time as a professional, interviewing him and other members of United, gaining insights on coaching, high performance and future career pathways. 

She is one of many who have been given access to a world of exclusive and fulfilling opportunities through the program.

“I’ve been able to help other young basketballers enjoy the same experiences I had, which has been extremely rewarding,” she explained. 

“It’s been fascinating to watch not only training sessions and games but learn what it takes to run a professional sporting club. I'm so glad I took the opportunity.”

Already with an avid interest in business and sport, she learnt about the program in 2023.  She then investigated the opportunities the course presented, and the chance to do meaningful work within a sport and organisation that she was so fond of, was one she couldn’t pass up. 

“My experience with the program has been incredible. I have participated in volunteer work at multiple Melbourne United games at John Cain Arena, as well as school holiday camps, where I made sure every fan and athlete had the best experience.

“The course offers hands-on sporting industry experiences, which I’ve learnt so much from.

“I’ve worked with the marketing team, helping out with their social media production, which then led to an opportunity for me to be involved in creating short form content for the United social media pages.”

Puli brings a kindness and compassion to her work, qualities that are evident in the major project that she and her peers coordinated as a part of the diploma. 

The All-Abilities Clinic at Sandringham Basketball Stadium last September was a display of not only what makes community events great, but the mindset that Puli has towards sport’s potential, on and off the court. 

The clinic, which was run for students from special schools in the Sandringham area, involved fundraising, organising activities and prizes for all who attended, and making sure that the kids had a fun and rewarding day playing basketball, like she has had so many times before. 

“This project along with the other opportunities I’ve had have made the Melbourne United Sport and Business Program such an amazing experience,” she said. 

“I feel like it has given me the confidence and skills to pursue a future career in an elite sporting environment.” 

The Melbourne United Sport & Business Program is powered by SEDA (RTO: 22503) and offers access to an elite sporting environment, whilst completing a dual diploma in Sport and Business.

For more information, visit the program’s website or register for the upcoming Online Information Session to learn more about and consider joining the January 2027 intake. 

Melbourne United works in collaboration with SEDA Group RTO: 22503 on marketing and promotional services relating to the recruitment of prospective students for this program. The program consists of SIS50321 Diploma of Sport (Coaching & Sport Development) and BSB50120 Diploma of Business (Operations). 

‍