Nine year-old Will Strange loves footy. He loves being involved in training, being there front and centre on game day, and being a central part of his beloved team. But rather than play football, Will has a slightly different role within the Point Cook under 10s team.
This season, Will has taken on the role of coach’s assistant, helping out head coach Peter Gardner each week with a number of tasks. Will’s duties include helping his teammates during the warm-up, handing out snacks at the quarter time huddles, as well as being a constant motivator and support to his fellow teammates on the sidelines.
Will’s mum Nicole says this is a great confidence builder for him.
“He just loves being involved in the team and helping out Peter, which is helping him grow his confidence.”
While making a decision about whether he would like to play football at the start of the season, Will’s choice was made simpler when the opportunity to become the coach’s assistant arose. He has set duties every week at the game, providing invaluable support to the coach. Will keeps the team entertained before the game, taking them for a run around the sidelines, going through warm up exercises with them and even helps Peter choose the Best on Ground performer at the end of every game.
Will is also a triplet, and has a great support network in his brother Max and sister Ella, who are incredibly proud of him and both come to every game to cheer him on. The team is also one hundred percent behind Will and his invaluable contribution to the team.
Nicole says, “They think he’s just fabulous.”
This sentiment is also echoed by his coach.
“He’s like a little mascot, they just love him,” Peter recalls.
The team is always looking for alternative ways for kids to show their support, if playing the game isn’t right for them.
“We always need people like Will, there’s always a spot for people like him on the team,” Peter said.
By Sara Luczak
Last Modified on 07/05/2014 16:42