Footy coach committed to improving player safety

After breaking his neck playing footy, coach Brad Winters has launched a range of protective headgear.

Frankston South teacher and junior Australian Rules football coach Brad Winters is pushing for better safety measures in contact sports after breaking his neck while playing footy.

Brad, who teaches at Overport Primary School and coaches at Frankston YCW, was 19 and playing senior football when his legs were taken out and he landed on his neck. A subsequent misdiagnosis meant the extent of the damage wasn’t discovered until many years later.

“I spent four months in a neck brace and the next 10 years doing everything in my power to get my body right to come back and play the sport I loved,” he said. “I saw the best doctors and surgeons around the world and had eight operations but could never get my body right.  I’ve lived with chronic pain my whole adult life, which I’ve now learnt to deal with.

“Today, I’m a father and a coach of my son’s football team. I began to question whether or not I wanted to risk someone I love or the kids I coach to experience what I went through. This is why I started Australian Sporting Essentials. Even after playing several years of football as a senior and a junior, I was never coached the correct technique on how to approach a ruck contest. We need to do everything in our power to protect and safeguard our kids.”

Australian Sporting Essentials, which Brad launched late last year, provides a range of headgear specifically designed for Australian Rules football, with ear channels removed for improved peripheral hearing. “I believe helmets in contact sport, as well as practising correct technique, are pivotal to player safety,” he said. “Correctly fitting headgear will provide head protection and can possibly reduce the risk of severe injuries. They safeguard our community and contribute to a safer playing environment. Prioritising these essential safety components is fundamental for the wellbeing of all athletes at all levels.”

For more details, go to www.australiansportingessentials.com.au