Students go ‘Inside the Game’ at TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport

Nearly 100 prospective students recently stepped behind the scenes of Australia's leading sporting organisations during Inside the Game, an immersive school holiday workshop hosted out of TAFE Queensland's South Bank campus.

Representatives from the Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Bullets and Brisbane Heat joined TAFE Queensland educators to provide students with an authentic insight into the careers, leadership and decision-making that underpin elite sport.

The initiative was designed to move beyond the traditional career expo model, allowing prospective students to experience first-hand the practical learning, industry engagement and networking opportunities that define the Academy of Sport.

Throughout the day, students heard directly from club representatives about the history of their organisations, the diverse career opportunities available within elite sport and how TAFE Queensland's Academy of Sport qualifications create genuine pathways into the industry.

Students then participated in an interactive leadership workshop, taking on the role of sporting commissioners responsible for improving their chosen sport. Working in teams, they debated governance issues, developed strategic recommendations and presented their ideas back to industry representatives from each of their chosen sporting clubs.

"Getting to present my idea directly to Brisbane Heat staff was a really exciting experience. My proposal was to introduce a Bowling Power Play, in which a bowling team could nominate a period of the game during which taking a wicket would count as two instead of one. It was awesome to hear feedback from people who work in professional cricket and see them genuinely engage with my idea," said Year 9 student Max Russo.

The afternoon then shifted from the boardroom to the field, with students participating in practical coaching activities that allowed them to experience both athlete and coach perspectives while developing communication, planning and leadership skills.

What made the day unique was that current Academy of Sport dual diploma students from each of the Bullets, Broncos, Heat and Lions programs also played a key role throughout the event, sharing their own experiences, participating in panel discussions and helping to facilitate activities for prospective students.

Academy of Sport Manager Don Harley said the event reflected the Academy's commitment to providing authentic, industry-connected learning experiences.

"We wanted prospective students to experience what studying through the Academy of Sport actually feels like. Rather than simply telling students about our partnerships, Inside the Game allowed them to hear from industry leaders, solve real problems alongside our sporting partners and begin to picture themselves in those environments."

Harley said creating meaningful connections between education and industry remained at the heart of the Academy's philosophy.

"The Academy of Sport has always been about much more than delivering qualifications. It's about creating experiences that inspire students, build confidence and connect learning with the organisations and people they'll one day work alongside. Seeing students engage so enthusiastically throughout the day, and then lining up afterwards to register their interest in future programs, was incredibly rewarding."

Education Manager Nathan Gill, whose team led the practical coaching activities, said the hands-on sessions demonstrated that coaching is about far more than teaching technical skills.

"Great coaching is really about leadership, communication and creating positive experiences for others. We wanted students to experience what it feels like to both receive coaching and then step into the role of a coach themselves, because that's where confidence and learning really start to develop."

Gill said the practical sessions reflected the Academy's broader approach to education.

"The best learning happens when students are actively involved. By getting students out of their seats and applying what they'd learned throughout the day, they were able to see just how rewarding a career in coaching or sport development can be."

The event concluded with students exploring upcoming Academy of Sport study options, with strong interest shown in future Certificate II and Diploma programs.

Study Through the Academy of Sport

Students inspired by Inside the Game can now apply for a range of Academy of Sport programs delivered in partnership with Australia's leading sporting organisations.

The Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321) provides aspiring coaches with practical coaching skills, leadership development and real-world learning experiences through elite sporting partnerships, making it an ideal pathway for secondary school students and those looking to begin a career in sport.

For school leavers, professionals and career changers, the Academy also offers the Diploma of Sport and Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50321/BSB50420), combining flexible learning with guest speakers, networking opportunities, exclusive industry experiences and practical projects inspired by real sporting organisations.

Through partnerships with organisations including the Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Bullets, Brisbane Heat, Gold Coast SUNS, Parramatta Eels, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and many more, the Academy of Sport continues to provide students with opportunities to learn differently, build meaningful industry connections and prepare for careers both within and beyond the sporting industry.