The success of the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership (RISL) in its first two years has enabled the Institute to expand its reach to Albury-Wodonga from 2019, providing regional students a unique learning opportunity.
RISL’s dual Diploma of Sport Development / Diploma of Leadership Management is delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and is aimed at developing the next generation of leaders within the sports industry.
In just two years, RISL has grown from 45 students in 2017, to 130 currently undertaking the course at its Richmond-based learning centre this year.
Students in the Albury-Wodonga course will study the Diploma of Sports Development, with units in Managing Athlete Performance, Coaching and Project Management, they will hear from Institute Ambassadors, and be provided with industry placement and employment opportunities.
On successful completion of the program, students can progress to a Swinburne degree, in a range of undergraduate courses in Business, Management, Exercise Science and Education.
Richmond is also in the unique position to provide students demonstrating excellence, with potential placement and employment opportunities at the Club’s wholly-owned subsidiary business, Aligned Leisure, and other network of associated businesses.
Already managing health and recreation facilities in the Cardinia Shire and Eltham Leisure Centre in Nillumbik Shire Council, Aligned Leisure is expanding to manage and operate Albury-Wodonga’s premier leisure and recreation facilities, including the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre (WAVES).
“We’re fortunate to grow our presence in the Albury and Wodonga communities, through our Next Generation Academy and Aligned Leisure, and we see a rewarding opportunity for tertiary students in the region to experience our RISL program locally,” Richmond CEO, Brendon Gale said.
“We’ve already seen some encouraging outcomes and success from our RISL program, it’s a quality and unique course and partnered with a respected university in Swinburne, so we’re really excited to bring it to Albury-Wodonga.”
“Beyond the sports qualification that students receive, we also see placement and employment opportunities for them in various roles at our Aligned Leisure facilities and with our growing Next Generation Academy.”
Executive Director of Pathways and Vocational Education, Mish Eastman, says Swinburne is thrilled to be involved in delivering this quality education experience to regional students.
“It’s wonderful to see RISL expanding its reach and offering this unique program to a new group of talented young people. We’re excited to engage with a new community of future sports leaders and teach them practical sports management and leadership skills,” Ms Eastman says.
The Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership will host an Open Day in Wodonga for interested students and families on Monday, July 9 at the Albury Entertainment Centre at 2pm.
For more information or expressions of interest for RISL, visit richmondinstitute.com.au or contact the Institute on awsportsleadership@richmondfc.com.au or call 0448 197 242.
