Damien Villarosa has been appointed Richmond Academy coach, overseeing the Club’s Next Generation Academy Program.

Villarosa joined the Tigers is 2016, as Education and Training Manager of the Richmond Institute.

His position at the Club will expand to include both the Richmond Academy and Richmond Institute roles in 2017.

He brings extensive industry experience to his new position and has worked in the AFL talent pathway since 2001, including the Victorian Metro State Academy and the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup.

Villarosa is a former teacher with a master’s degree in Exercise Science and he has coached football at Essendon Keilor College.

In his new position as Richmond Academy coach, Villarosa will be responsible for fostering the development of participants from a character, physical and technical capacity.

He will also work closely with the dedicated coaching staff across Richmond’s Academy region – AFL Central, Central Murray, Goulburn Murray, North East Border, Sunraysia and Wimmera Mallee.

Richmond’s General Manager – Football Talent, Dan Richardson, welcomed the news.

“We felt Damien was a perfect fit for this role,” Richardson said

“Our vision is for our Academy players to wear a Richmond jumper one day and Damien’s passion, knowledge and experience in talent development will certainly help us achieve this.”