TAFE Queensland and The Brisbane Lions line up to kick goals together

The Brisbane Lions' world-class Brighton Homes Arena training facility is set to become a hub for aspiring sports administrators as the AFL club launches the Brisbane Lions Institute of Business & Sport program.

In an exciting new partnership with TAFE Queensland, the Institute will offer the Diploma of Sport and Diploma of Leadership & Management (SIS50321 / BSB50420) as an accredited education pathway that embeds hands-on learning across an entire sporting organisation.

The year-long course will offer students unparalleled insights into the operations of an elite AFL club, with students immersed in the Lions' daily operations.

Students will complete 100 hours of work experience across various club departments, including management, marketing, and media, with graduate roles at the club offered to selected students upon course completion.

Initially capped at 30 students, the first intake will commence in July 2024 and run through until April 2025, with a second intake to kick off in February next year.

Pathway options will also be provided for students pursuing further studies after the program. In addition, the program offers articulated pathways into a range of university programs, including Bond University.

These pathways cater to degrees specialising in sports development, sports management, and business, allowing students to further their education and pursue higher education in the sports industry, enriching their career prospects and industry knowledge.

The club will also employ a Program Manager for the initiative to show its passion for developing future sports industry professionals.

Brisbane Lions Chief Operating Officer Sam Graham is eager to welcome the program’s inaugural cohort in July.

“This program is strategically important for us at the Brisbane Lions as we continue to build for success on and off the field,” Mr Graham said.

“The experience will provide invaluable exposure and insights to the students by interfacing with Club staff, players, and coaches, bolstering their credentials and readiness for a career in the industry.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager for Brisbane Brent Kinnane said the training partnership is a game changer for people passionate about AFL and looking to kick-start a career in elite sport. 

"At a time when people with job-ready skills are in high demand across Australia, students will have the unique opportunity to gain not only a nationally recognised qualification but also the chance to secure employment either at the Lions or other elite sporting organisations,” Mr Kinnane said.

“Training will be contextualised to support the specific skills required to succeed in elite sport and will give students valuable insights into the broader business of AFL as they develop skills in sport, leadership and management.”

"TAFE Queensland works best when we are working hand-in-hand with industry, and we are proud to be able to play such an important role in providing the Lions with a pipeline of skilled workers long into the future," he said.

Mr Kinnane also noted that the institute's launch couldn’t come at a better time in the region's history, with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics fast approaching.

"Not all of us can be professional athletes, but with any professional sporting club, there is a significant team behind the teams, in both men's and women's sports,” continued Mr Kinnane.

"We need to train more skilled and talented people in respective roles across Australia’s sporting landscape, and this partnership will enable us to do this quickly.”

"This truly unique and innovative partnership is an opportunity to change the game and allow students to learn from sports industry experts, coaches and athletes while gaining insights into the business of elite sport.”

"I can't wait to welcome our first group of students in July. There's never been a more exciting time to be part of the sports industry In Australia, particularly with the Olympics on our doorstep," concluded Mr Kinnane.