The changeover officially took place on Sunday with Aligned Leisure replacing the YMCA which has management the leisure centre for a decade and the WAVES outdoor pool since it opened in 2013.

In one of the first achievements of the Albury and Wodonga councils, Two Cities, One Community initiative, Aligned Leisure was appointed to manage the Albury and Lavington swim centres and the two Wodonga aquatics facilities in late April on a $4.8 million, five-year contract from July 1.

The Tigers already had a presence in the twin cities with the region part of the club’s next generation academy.

It has also announced a sports leadership course will be offered in Albury-Wodonga.

Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership’s dual diploma of sport development and leadership management is being delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology.

The course has grown from 45 students in 2017 to 130 presently.

Upon successful completion, students can progress to a Swinburne degree, in a range of undergraduate courses.

Richmond can provide students demonstrating excellence with potential placement and employment opportunities at Aligned Leisure-operated facilities including Albury and Wodonga pools.

“We’re fortunate to grow our presence in the Albury and Wodonga communities, through our next generation academy and Aligned Leisure, and we see a rewarding opportunity for tertiary students in the region to experience our RISL program locally,” Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said.

“Beyond the sports qualification that students receive, we also see placement and employment opportunities for them in various roles at our Aligned Leisure facilities and academy.”