Stepping Into the Sports Industry
After graduating from high school, Leila Tebb knew she wanted to enter the sports industry, but wasn’t convinced university was the right move. She started her traineeship with St Kilda Football Club in January. Taking on a Membership and Reception role while also completing a Certificate III in Business.
I wasn’t really set on going to uni straight away. I was a bit burnt out by school, so I was just ready for something a little bit different.
I’ve always loved sport and I really wanted to work in the industry. So when I came across this, it seemed kind of perfect for where I was at.
Her first day was standard in football-club life, starting with 150 versions of the same question: Are you a Saints supporter?
I’m actually a Bulldogs fan, but it hasn’t impacted my job at all. After the first pre-season game, that was it.
I was fully invested in the Saints.
Leila originally split her time between membership and reception. But after a few months, she realised the membership component didn’t feel like the right fit.
I’m definitely still involved though, because sitting at reception, you get lots of people who come in who want to talk about their memberships and would prefer to do it face to face rather than over the phone.
But I just sort of found that it wasn’t for me. Which I think is part of the whole experience – finding out what works and what doesn’t for you. So I spoke to my manager and we decided to focus on five days at reception.
The work is customer-facing and unpredictable. Managing deliveries, greeting visitors, troubleshooting questions and handling the occasional colourful email after a loss. The biggest challenge has been dealing with passionate fans, but this has helped her grow her confidence.
You’re the first point of contact for the whole club and you never know what you’re going to get. But it’s helped me learn how to be independent. Down at reception I’m on my own a lot, so I’ve had to learn to find things to do or ask for more.
I’ve gotten opportunities because I’ve asked for them.
What’s stood out the most to Leila at the Saints has been the culture, with many of her work connections turning into real friendships.
She says working in the AFL industry has shown her how important relationships are.
I’ve found everyone at the Saints just so lovely. From the first day I stepped in, I was getting welcome emails from staff to an account that I’d just gotten access to and people were coming past and introducing themselves. I think overall it’s been a really positive experience.
I’ve made some really good friends and connections, especially in the AFL industry which has just been invaluable.
Making these connections are going to come with me as I move on to the next chapter.
Leila is planning to continue her education with the Saints and has already applied for a Bachelor Degree in Sports Business for 2026.
I’m looking forward to staying connected to the Saints next year and doing back-to-back study.
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