Lead beyond the boundary - Brisbane Heat launch online Diploma of Leadership and Management

As cricket and the wider sporting industry continue to evolve, so too does the demand for strong leaders capable of navigating high-performance environments, managing people, building culture and driving organisations forward both on and off the field.

Modern sporting organisations are no longer just focused on performance on game day. They are complex businesses responsible for leading staff, engaging communities, delivering major events, managing commercial partnerships and creating meaningful experiences for fans and stakeholders. Leadership and management capabilities have become among the most important skill sets across the sports industry.

Launching ahead of the upcoming intake commencing on 31 August, the nationally recognised qualification will provide participants with the opportunity to build practical leadership, communication and management capability through the lens of one of Australia’s most exciting sporting organisations.

The program follows the success of the previously delivered Diploma of Project Management, which saw 30 students study with TAFE Queensland in a course contextualised around the project management and operational delivery of Brisbane Heat match days at the Gabba.

One graduating student reflected on the experience, stating: “This experience has been about stretching my capability, building on my existing skills, and creating new opportunities for the future. I am already applying what I have learned in my current role and look forward to continuing to grow from here.”

Leadership at the centre of elite sport

Behind every successful sporting organisation is a team of leaders driving culture, performance, operations and people management. From managing elite athletes and staff to delivering fan engagement initiatives, sponsorship activations and community programs, leadership and management capability is critical across every area of professional sport.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said the continued partnership with TAFE Queensland reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful education pathways connected to the sport industry.

“Cricket and sport more broadly have evolved significantly over the past decade. Sporting organisations now require leaders who can manage people, lead teams, build culture and adapt to fast-moving environments both on and off the field. This program will provide participants with practical leadership capability while giving them insight into how those skills operate within elite sport.”

Flexible online delivery designed for modern learners

The six-month online course will be delivered across two live evening sessions per week from 6pm to 9pm, complemented by three Saturday intensives hosted at the home of cricket in Queensland, Allan Border Field.

Industry insights from Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket

Participants will hear directly from Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket professionals through guest speaker sessions, networking opportunities and industry-based learning experiences. The course has been designed to contextualise leadership and management principles within the fast-paced environment of professional sport.

TAFE Queensland Manager of Academy of Sport Partnerships, Don Harley, said the program creates a unique opportunity for students to develop leadership capability through one of the country’s leading sporting brands.

“Leadership and management skills are among the most valuable and transferable capabilities in today’s workforce. The sporting industry has changed dramatically, and clubs now require leaders who can communicate effectively, manage people, build culture and operate in high-pressure environments. This program gives students the opportunity to develop those skills within the context of elite sport, while learning from industry professionals and gaining exposure to real-world sporting environments.”

A pathway into leadership across sport and business

Graduates will develop practical skills in leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, team management and operational planning – capabilities that are highly valued across sport, business and community sectors.

The flexible online structure is also designed to improve accessibility for participants nationwide, allowing students to engage with Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket regardless of location.

The program has also been designed to improve accessibility for participants looking to upskill in the sports and business industries. Eligible Queensland residents may be able to access the qualification at no cost through the Queensland Government’s Fee-Free TAFE initiative, subject to eligibility criteria and availability, helping remove financial barriers for aspiring leaders looking to take the next step in their career.

Course details:

Qualification: Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) delivered by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275)

Delivery: Two online evening classes per week (6pm – 9pm) with selected Brisbane Heat intensives and industry experiences

Duration: 6 months (22 weeks) commencing on 31 August 2026

Location: Online with three Saturdays at Allan Border Field

Eligibility: Recommended for individuals with three years of existing work, coaching, volunteer or leadership experience.