Sea Eagles Launch Sports Business Academy at Penn Centre

The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Penn Centre of Excellence is set to become a hub for aspiring sports administrators as the NRL club launches the Sea Eagles Sports Business Academy.

In a new partnership with TAFE Queensland, the Institute will offer the double Diploma of Sport, and Diploma of Leadership & Management, as an accredited education pathway that embeds hands-on learning across an entire sporting organisation.

Commenting on the launch, Sea Eagles CEO, Tony Mestrov, said: “The new Sports Business Academy is really important for us as a club as we continue to build for success on and off the field.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience at an NRL club, while at the same time furthering their education.

“They will interact with club staff, players, and coaches, bolstering their credentials and readiness for a career in the industry,” Mestrov said.

TAFE Queensland general manager for Brisbane, Brent Kinnane, added: “At a time when people with job-ready skills are in high demand across Australia,”

“Students will have the unique opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification and the chance to secure employment either at the Sea Eagles or other elite sporting organisations.

“Training will be contextualised to support the specific skills required to succeed in elite sport and will give students valuable insights into the broader business of NRL as they develop skills in sport, leadership and management,” he said.

Students will complete 100 hours of work integrated learning across various club departments, including management, marketing, and media.

Two full-time employment roles at the Sea Eagles will then be offered to selected students upon course completion.

Initially capped at 35 students, the first intake of the 12-month course will commence in July 2025 and run through until May 2026, with a second intake to kick off in January next year.

In addition, the program offers graduates direct articulation into a range of university pathways for those students who wish to continue their studies.

The year-long course will offer students unparalleled insights into the operations of an NRL club, with students immersed in the Sea Eagles’ daily operations.

These pathways cater to degrees specialising in sports development, sports management, and business, allowing students to further their education and pursue higher education in the sports industry, enriching their career prospects and industry knowledge.

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