TAFE Queensland and Brisbane Lions launch new leadership program connecting students with elite sport

Commencing on Monday 20 April, the six-month Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) program will be delivered primarily online with classes held Monday and Wednesday evenings, supported by three exclusive Saturday intensives at Brighton Homes Arena, the home of the Brisbane Lions.

The nationally recognised qualification has been designed for emerging leaders, professionals looking to step into management roles, and individuals wanting to build practical leadership skills in a high-performance environment.

While the on-field action often captures the spotlight, the success of elite sporting organisations relies heavily on strong leadership behind the scenes.

From managing teams and projects to coordinating major initiatives and engaging stakeholders, leadership capability plays a critical role in modern sport and business.

Brisbane Lions CEO Sam Graham said the new program builds on the club’s longstanding education partnership with TAFE Queensland while reinforcing the importance of leadership within the Lions’ own journey.

“The Brisbane Lions have developed a strong partnership with TAFE Queensland over a number of years, and this new Diploma of Leadership and Management is an exciting extension of that relationship,” Graham said.

“Through the Brisbane Lions Institute of Business and Sport we’ve already seen the impact that can be achieved when education and elite sport come together.

Delivering this program online now opens the door for more of our members and fans, as well as students with an interest in AFL leadership, from across regional Queensland and around Australia to be involved, which is incredibly exciting for the club.”

“Our club’s journey to success over the past decade has shown just how important strong leadership is at every level, from the playing group through to the administration and broader organisation.

“Sport is an incredibly dynamic industry and programs like this help develop the leaders who will shape the future of clubs, businesses and communities.”

The six-month online course requires students to have at least three years of professional experience, making it ideal for working professionals, athletes and career changers looking to strengthen their leadership capability without stepping away from their careers.

Throughout the program, students will apply their learning to real-world leadership scenarios drawn from the Brisbane Lions environment and hear directly from senior leaders within the club.

Students will participate in live online classes twice a week while also engaging with the Brisbane Lions through three in-person intensives at Brighton Homes Arena, providing a rare opportunity to learn within the environment of an elite AFL club.

TAFE Queensland Manager of Academy of Sport Partnerships Don Harley said the program represents another step forward in connecting education with industry.

“Leadership is one of the most valuable skill sets in the modern workforce, and what makes this program particularly exciting is the opportunity to connect that learning with an elite sporting organisation like the Brisbane Lions,” Harley said.

“The Lions’ journey to back-to-back AFL premierships and the strength of their AFLW program is a fascinating story. For students to hear directly from the people within the club who helped build that culture and success is a unique learning opportunity.

“What’s also exciting is that the program is eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding for up to 30 places, meaning eligible Australian residents may be able to complete the course at no cost.”

Course details

Course: Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) delivered by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275)
Start date: Monday, 20 April 2026 at Brighton Homes Arena
Duration: Six months
Delivery: Online (Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6pm – 9pm)
Industry component: Three Saturday intensives at Brighton Homes Arena
Eligibility: Open to professionals and aspiring leaders with at least three years of professional working experience.