Not knowing what to expect, Josh Lambert Niran walked into his first day as a Richmond Institute student full of nerves.

But within just hours, the new Diploma of Sport/Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50321/BSB50420) student was beginning his journey into working in strength and conditioning.

Josh and his new classmates were given the opportunity to watch a closed Richmond training session, observing the pre-season of the Tigers' AFL team, before hearing from premiership stars Nathan Broad and Liam Baker about what constitutes a pre-season session.

Richmond Institute students then took to the classroom, learning the theory and mechanics behind the elite athletic practices on show by the players.

"I have always had a passion for sports and fitness and came across this course," Josh, who previously had enrolled in a primarily online IT course, explained.

“The overall vibe of this course is amazing; it is not like a normal University where you turn up, listen, and leave. This is a practical course where everyone speaks to each other, and the teachers will approach and teach you in a way that works best for you.”

Richmond Football Club in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology have created the Richmond Institute with the goal of developing the next generation of leaders within the sports industry by providing practical, engaging ways of learning within an elite sports environment.

Students were also privileged to be welcomed to country by Indigenous Swinburne Professor Dr Andrew Peters, who spoke about the importance of culture and what it means to be a part of the Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University of Technology.

Jason Llewellyn, who also hopes to kickstart his career in the sporting industry, spoke of the same nerves coming in before arriving home from his first day at Punt Road with new friends.

"I was extremely nervous; I get a bit of social anxiety, and meeting new people was not the easiest thing for me but rocking up here on day one was good because our student success officers had reached out to us a month before starting the course, which eased the stress," he explained.

"On the train ride home after Day 1, there were seven of us on the same train line home, and we just chatted the whole time.

"I was planning on putting on my headphones and sitting by myself for the whole train ride but ended up sitting with new friends all the way home."

Brendon Gale, Chief Executive Officer of the Richmond Football Club spoke to the students on day one about the huge benefits of being a part of the club and how as students they’ll make “connecting to thrive and win” their new way of life.

Be sure to register your interest for our next information session here and kick start your career in the sporting industry!