Tasmania’s four elite sporting entities have come together with TasTAFE to launch a new sport and leadership education program for Tasmanians wanting to pursue a career in sports management, coaching and leadership.
In a first of its kind in Australia, a coalition of Tasmania’s leading sporting brands are collaborating with TasTAFE to launch a unified education program that is embedded in industry, to create a nursery for homegrown sports administration and coaching talent, the Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport.
Tasmania Football Club (Devils), Tasmania JackJumpers (JackJumpers), Hobart Hurricanes and Netball Tasmania in partnership with TasTAFE will be offering students the opportunity to study for a 12-month diploma level education program in Tasmania from February 2025. The University of Tasmania will provide program graduates with a pathway directly into a range of university Bachelor degrees.
On top of the contextualised curriculum, the program provides a unique opportunity for learners to bring the classroom theory to life with 100 hours of structured work placement within the State’s leading sports organisations. Students will get exclusive hands-on experience across all elements of the industry, including game development, sports administration, marketing, coaching and events.
Students will also have access to regular athlete development, wellness, coaching and conditioning sessions to encourage a high-performance lifestyle and build a mindset for success.
Graduates will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and networks to be in line for job openings within the State’s burgeoning sports industry.
This partnership between four Tasmanian sporting entities and TasTAFE, is a new and exciting education initiative for Tasmania, currently students who wish to study sports management and leadership cannot do it in-person in Tasmania.
The program will launch with delivery in Hobart in February 2025 and will expand to the north and north-west of Tasmania in 2026. Students can express interest in the program effective from today at www.tasacademy.com.au.
Quotes from program participating parties:
Jesse O’Hara, Education Program Manager, Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport
“Today is the first step in harnessing the collective power of sport to create engaging, meaningful and place-based education pathways for our State’s future sports industry workforce. Bringing together Tasmania’s leading brands into a unified program, in collaboration with TasTAFE, creates a learning environment unlike anything that has been delivered in Australia.”
“Students will gain the hands-on skills, confidence and networks to become the team behind the team, creating a local nursery for off-field and off-court talent for the State. It’s wonderful that the University of Tasmania are supporting the program to provide graduates a pathway directly into university and gain up to a year of credit into select Bachelor degrees.”
Grant Dreher – CEO TasTAFE
“Our vision is to be a key contributor to the prosperity of the State’s economy through workforce development and training. This partnership recognises the importance and value of the sports sector to Tasmania and we’re delighted to be the foundation education partner to help deliver those benefits.”
Kathryn McCann – Executive Director Tasmania Devils
“The opportunity for Tasmanian students to study sports management and leadership in Tasmania is exciting.”
“All of the Clubs involved are passionate about delivering benefits from their sports beyond the playing arena itself. Driving education, community and employment outcomes for Tasmania is something we are all passionate about, and this program will do that.”
Christine Finnegan – CEO Tasmania JackJumpers
“The JackJumpers are both excited and proud to be part of this exciting initiative.”
“The JackJumpers are committed to contributing to better education outcomes for all Tasmanians and believe the Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport is a great step forward in delivering this.”
“The JackJumpers congratulate the Devils on developing this program and are excited to also collaborate with netball and cricket to bring it to life.”
Mitch Coulson – CEO Netball Tasmania
“Netball Tasmania are proud to be a part of this initiative, and to be working alongside other sporting organisations to contribute to the diversification of education options in Tasmania. We believe the Tasmanian Academy of Sport and Leadership will provide invaluable opportunities for those with an interest in sport to pursue their passion without leaving the state.”
Dominic Baker – CEO Cricket Tasmania
“This program provides a fantastic pathway for sport loving young Tasmanians to learn from industry experts, who for so long have had to move interstate to receive similar opportunities. To have the Devils, JackJumpers and Netball Tasmania, all collaborating as part of this fantastic initiative will provide Tasmanians with another option to develop their skillset and as a gateway to further tertiary education opportunities in sport related fields. The Hobart Hurricanes looks forward to supporting TasTAFE in implementing the curriculum, and providing greater industry experience to Tasmanians, as part of the Tasmanian Academy of Leadership and Sport.”
For more information go to www.tasacademy.com.au.