The inaugural Sports Leadership and Management class of ‘17
In Summary
- First class of Swinburne and the Richmond Football Club’s Sports Leadership and Management course graduates
- Many graduates employed by the club while others will continue further study with Swinburne
The inaugural class of Swinburne and the Richmond Football Club’s Sports Leadership and Management course has graduated, with many already finding jobs with the Premiership club.
The inaugural course, delivered by the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership (RISL) was taken by 41 students, most of whom have now been employed through either the club or its subsidiary businesses, including Aligned Leisure.
Others graduates will continue their study through a guaranteed placement into a Swinburne course.
“The opportunities for applied learning have allowed these graduates to be truly prepared for work, with most gaining employment within the club’s businesses,” says David Coltman, Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Pathways and Vocational Education).
“Studying with the club, and at the Swinburne Centre, the graduates were immersed in the operations of the club and welcomed into the fold of this family-like operation.
“While a small number were not Richmond supporters at the beginning of the program, I have no doubt that these old allegiances have been challenged and that the Richmond experience will change their lives, and those of their families, forever.”
A unique opportunity
Speaking at the graduation, Richmond CEO Brendon Gale reflected on the program, describing the first year as a remarkable success.
“As an elite sporting club, Richmond is in the business of performance, sports management and leadership, and Gale realises the unique opportunity and experience the students can have at the Tigers,” he says.
“We’ve got so much knowledge to share and so much value to add.
“We are in an environment that is absolutely, passionately committed to growth.
“You will often see the word ‘thrive’ around the place…thrive is about personal growth, it’s about professional growth, it’s about emotional growth and development.”
A student perspective
Western Australian student, Teneal Garlett expressed the gratitude to the Club, the Institute and Swinburne for an unexpected experience.
Ms Garlett and her sister Sam arrived in Melbourne so that Sam could pursue her dream of playing in the AFLW.
Walking past the club, they decided to pop in ask about the programs that were available, and discovered the RISL course.
“From then on the Richmond Football Club has taken us on as a family,” says Garlett.
“The opportunities that the club created for us were amazing, and winning the grand final just topped it off.
“From running clinics with the boys, assisting on game days, assisting the membership team, to the Swinburne lunch and the Indigenous Uni Games, where we represented Swinburne were all great opportunities.
“We will be forever grateful for these opportunities.”
As the club farewells the inaugural group, the class of 2018 – with 132 students - begin their first classes at the Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval to begin their Richmond education journey.