Richmond Football Club young guns Rhyan Mansell and Sam Banks have bright futures ahead of them, both on and off the football field.
The young Tigers, who now live together in Melbourne, moved from their homes in Tasmania to chase the football dream and have recently enrolled in the Diploma of Sport – Online (SIS50321) at Richmond Institute.
Richmond Institute is the education arm of the Richmond Football Club and a leader in sports industry education, offering various programs and courses, including a Diploma of Sport/Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50321/BSB50420) and a Diploma of Sport – Online (SIS50321).
Through the Club’s collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology (RTO3059), Richmond Institute provides outstanding experiences, outcomes, and pathways for students interested in a career in the sports industry.
The Diploma of Sport is a fully online course delivered through Richmond’s collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology (RTO3059) which includes weekly interactive sessions run by Richmond Institute Staff as well as self-paced learning following the session.
22-year-old Mansell, who debuted for Richmond in Round 4 of the 2021 AFL season, wanted to pursue interests outside of football to set himself up for a future in the sports industry after his AFL career.
Mansell enjoys the flexibility of the diploma, allowing him to prioritise his football and remain connected to his peers and teachers at Richmond Institute.
“You get to build connections with people you normally would not talk to,” he said.
“I’d recommend it because you get to connect with everyone, the teachers are really good, and there’s a wide range of things you can get out of it.”
Second-year Banks, who Richmond picked up at Pick 29 in the 2021 draft, was debating whether he wanted to go to university and felt the flexibility of the Online Diploma provided him with a great chance to explore his options.
“I wasn’t sure 100% sure if I wanted to study part-time…so this was a good opportunity to see if I do want to further my study and if I can fit it in”, he said.
“It gives you something to do outside of footy… it’s only two hours a week online, plus a little bit of work gives you something to fill in your spare time.”
“It’s an easy and engaging way to get a certificate to go towards further study.”
The course provides the skills and knowledge needed to pursue roles in the sports business sector or as a foundation for further study, including learning negotiation and risk management, legal and ethical responsibility, and managing media relations.
The Online Diploma of Sport is a nationally recognised approved vocational course recognised throughout Australia, with potential pathways to progress into a related course or degree at Swinburne.
Richmond Institute only requires year 12 completion to gain entry into the diploma courses, removing the barrier of ATAR entry requirements that often limit students’ options to study at university after high school.
To find out more about the Online Diploma of Sport click the Link below!
