TAFE Queensland Students Step Behind the Scenes of Football Queensland Operations

These experiences form part of a broader partnership between TAFE Queensland and Football Queensland that provides students with real-world access to the coaching, governance, event management, football development, and officiating systems that underpin one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports.

Led by experienced TAFE educators and supported by industry professionals, the field trips allow students studying the Diploma of Sport to step away from the classroom and gain insights from senior figures within Football Queensland’s operations.

From Governance to Game Day

Students kicked off their learning with a deep dive into governance structures and the role they play in shaping sustainable sporting organisations. Guest speaker Ryan Fett, Football Queensland’s Manager of Governance, outlined the policies, leadership principles, and compliance systems that ensure transparency and drive accountability across the sport.

“Understanding governance isn’t just about board meetings and constitutions,” said Fett. “It’s about how good leadership creates cultures that allow sport to thrive at every level — from grassroots clubs to elite competitions.”

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to major event operations, with Football Queensland’s Events Manager Alex Pereira guiding students through the end-to-end planning of tournaments and match-day activations — from permits and public safety, to media, fan engagement and economic impact.

High-Performance Coaching with Karl Dodd

A standout moment was a practical coaching clinic led by Brisbane Roar NPL Coach and former international footballer Karl Dodd. With a background in both elite performance and academic research, Dodd offered students a unique look at coaching philosophy, leadership, and reflective practice.

“Sport is about more than tactics — it’s about understanding people, managing environments, and fostering growth,” said Dodd. “Our role as coaches is to create the conditions for others to succeed.”

The clinic was followed by student-led reflections, allowing learners to link theoretical frameworks with real-world delivery and feedback.

Building Queensland’s Football Workforce

Across the two-day experience, students also engaged with Football Queensland leaders in competition management, officiating, participation growth, and talent development. Guest speakers such as Slater Asnicar and Tom Laxton provided insights into the systems supporting referee development, inclusive participation strategies, and the technical pathways from MiniRoos to elite competition.

Don Harley, Manager of TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport, believes these opportunities are critical in preparing students for real careers in sport.

“We don’t just want students to learn about sport — we want them embedded in it,” Harley said. “By giving them direct access to professionals in the field, we’re ensuring they graduate with experience, confidence, and the networks to hit the ground running.”

Future-Focused and Industry-Backed

TAFE Queensland’s partnership with Football Queensland continues to grow, delivering on a shared vision to build a skilled and resilient football workforce ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We’re proud to work with TAFE Queensland to develop the next generation of sports professionals,” said Yanith Rajdev, Senior Manager of Digital and Commercial at Football Queensland. “Through these programs, students gain genuine insight into the scale and impact of our sport — and the opportunities that exist beyond the field.”

With upcoming placements, coaching workshops and further guest speakers scheduled throughout the year, Diploma of Sport students are equipped with a qualification and a career launchpad.

Applications for the Football Queensland stream of the Diploma of Sport program for Semester 1, 2026, are now open and can be accessed via the Academy of Sport website.