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The expansion of the partnership between Swinburne University of Technology and Richmond Football Club is set to benefit more players and students. In an extension to the partnership Swinburne will also sponsor Richmond’s AFLW team in 2020, further strengthening the relationship between the two organisations.

The partnership, boasting student placements, professional development and research outcomes, has been extended by four years (2021 to 2024) building on the inaugural agreement signed in 2017.

Richmond currently hosts students in professional placement and internship programs across disciplines including graphic design, human resources and marketing with additional placement opportunities available in 2020.

Through the partnership Richmond professional staff, players and coaches have access to training delivered by Swinburne Professional staff. Currently 19 Richmond professional staff are enrolled in courses and 11 Richmond players have commenced study at Swinburne.

Swinburne Vice-President of Engagement, Jane Ward said she looked forward to extending Swinburne’s commitment to the Richmond Football Club.

Ward advised "we’ve seen the partnership flourish over the past three years, because of the two organisations’ strongly aligned values and shared desire to create social and economic impact. This has led to exciting collaborations and joint efforts, especially in relation to advancing Indigenous and multicultural communities.

“We are delighted to support Richmond’s AFLW team in 2020, having seen the impact of AFLW creating elite sporting pathways for women and promoting discussion of gender equality in sport and the wider community.”

Richmond Chief Executive Brendon Gale said the extension of the relationship with Swinburne was of great importance to the Richmond Football Club.

Gale added: “It is the many layers to this partnership that excites us most. Whether it is diversity and inclusion, working alongside the Indigenous community or unlocking high-performance, Swinburne is bold, innovative and a wonderful partner for the Richmond Football Club. We look forward to the next four years and beyond.”

While the official naming rights agreement commenced in 2017, the partnership kicked off in 2016 with both organisations coming together to establish the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership.

This year the institute has 167 students enrolled across the dual Diploma Melbourne program and the single Diploma regional offering in Wodonga, a significant increase from 45 initial enrolments in 2017. Further growth is anticipated in 2020, with plans to expand the sports leadership program into a secondary regional location in Mildura.

Students enrolled in the institute program undertake industry placements and work-based learning projects. On successful completion of the dual Diploma, graduates have outstanding employment opportunities within sports, health and leisure industries, and the opportunity for a guaranteed university pathway into selected Bachelor courses.

To find out more about the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership, visit www.richmondfc.com.au/club/richmond-institute

Image courtesy of Richmond Football Club

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