Latchford who hopes to embark on a career in strength and conditioning and Paramanathan who aspires to work within the AFL industry were set up with Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club through RISL’s connection with AFLVictoria.
The pair held the roles of Assistant Coach and Trainer for the club’s senior and reserve teams in 2019, with both taken aback by the headstart into their careers that they received.
“I honestly thought I’d just sit at the back of the room and go about my job, but in the end, I was leading team talks, involved in picking the line ups and providing one on one feedback to key players. I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Paramanathan said.
Having now been involved in coaching at
Latchford will also re-take his place at “The Animals” in season 2020, again providing the players with support as a Trainer.
“This placement undoubtedly was the first of many steps towards achieving my dream job and I will be sure to remember my time at the club forever,” he said.
“I learnt more than I could have ever expected to while on placement, and honestly, I don’t think I could have chosen a better first club to practice my skills and learning.
“This was an experience of a lifetime.”
AFL Victoria hopes that more students looking to the break into the sports industry or football club’s looking for support will look into providing opportunities similar to that afforded to this RISL pair.
