300 games is a major milestone in any footballer’s career, a milestone that some players dream of reaching but unfortunately fall short.
For Wyndhamvale’s reserves assistant coach Matthew Foster, that dream will become a reality this weekend as he becomes part of the ‘300-Club’ this Saturday against Tarneit.
Inheriting his passion for the game from his father and grandfather, Foster first picked up a football as junior.
“I started playing under nine’s with Sunshine YCW, now Sunshine, when I was about seven years old,” Foster reveals.
Known to many around the club as “Busta” Foster says it was through football that he has formed a number of close friendships that he still maintains.
“Football is not just a game, but also allows you to meet some really great people, who have become really good friends.”
Playing for Sunshine growing up, as well as having brief stints at Braybrook and Glen Orden, Foster says one of his career highlights was winning the 2011 premiership flag for Sunshine reserves.
“We played a losing grand final in under 18s and it was good to play with mates again and win.”
Coming to the Falcons’ nest at the start of 2013, Foster humbly admits it’s a great achievement to reach 300 games.
“It’s exciting to have played this many games over the journey, as it’s something I know not many people are fortunate enough to achieve in their careers.”
After playing 300 games of football in his career, Foster says that football is about perseverance, and says that it takes time and hard work to improve skills.
“Having started assistant coaching the reserves at Wyndhamvale this year, I think one thing I tend to pass along to players is to keep going and listen to advice from other players, which I think is really important for all players to take on board.”
While he admits this will probably be his last year as a player, Foster says that he would like to swap the boots for the title of coach.
“I’ve always been interested in coaching,” Foster professes.
“I’ve helped out coaching in a few interleague matches before, so it’s something which I can hopefully continue to do once I’ve hung up the boots.”
Similar to his grandfather and father, Foster is eager to pass on his advice to his own son who plays in the under 12s and hopefully a team of his own.
For Foster, reaching 300 games isn’t the end of his career, rather an opportunity to use his game experience to help others achieve milestones of their own.
The Falcons will run out at Wyndham Vale South Reserve this Saturday against Tarneit, with the Reserves kicking off at the special time of 5pm, followed by the seniors at 7:15pm.
Last Modified on 11/06/2014 11:59