Tasmania’s first-ever dedicated sports education program is set to expand to Launceston in 2026 following a successful first year that has already helped dozens of local students launch careers in the sports industry.
The Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport, which opened less than 12 months ago, has seen over 50 Tasmanian students working towards dual diplomas in leadership, management and sport through TasTAFE.
Students gain real-world experience with major sporting organisations including Tasmania Football Club, AFL Tasmania, Tasmania JackJumpers, Netball Tasmania and Cricket Tasmania.
Tasmania Football Club Consumer Business Manager Jesse O’Hara, who led the academy’s development, said the program had exceeded expectations.
“We have had a brilliant cohort of students and such strong support from our participating sports, our education provider TasTAFE and so many incredible speakers from across the industry,” O’Hara said.
The northern expansion aims to build local sports workforces across Tasmania while providing educational opportunities to more regional students.
For Thomas Reeves, one of the academy’s first students who relocated from the Gold Coast to participate, the program has already delivered career success.
“When I saw the Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport opportunity pop up, I knew it was something that I wanted to do. I took the plunge and moved home to be a part of it, I had a clear goal to one day being employed by Tasmania Football Club,” Reeves said.
Reeves has since been appointed as Engagement Officer at Tasmania Football Club, where he now promotes the academy and recruits new students.
TasTAFE Interim-CEO Will McShane highlighted the importance of industry partnerships in creating relevant training programs.
“TasTAFE is uniquely positioned to partner with like-minded organisations to create training programs that are embedded in and aligned with industry, to work in the growing sports sector,” McShane said.
Information sessions for prospective 2026 students will be held at Ninja and UTAS Stadium throughout August and September.
