Training has rewards

You will not find a more respected person in the Ellinbank District Football League trainers association than its chairman Alan Massaro.

While too modest to acknowledge, Massaro, who is a current Poowong trainer, was instrumental in founding the EDFL trainers association in 2015.

Since its inception, it has made big strides towards providing clubs with a far more professional approach.

Massaro’s career as a trainer extends back to 1988, when he joined Nyora where he stayed until 2003. He cites the Saints 1993 senior premiership and 1994 thirds premiership as two of the highlights of his football involvement.

After being approached to help out at Poowong in 2004 he agreed to a three week stint and such was his fondness for the Magpies, he still remains there. Massaro described watching the Poowong thirds that year win the flag as another highlight.

Remarkably his devotion to both his trade and the game has seen him provide his services for the EDFL at interleague level at both senior and junior level for well over two decades.

In more recent times Massaro led the push for the new trainers’ uniforms that have been widely admired.

While the players get the majority, if not all, of the kudos, Massaro was quick to mention that trainers are an indispensable part of football and the game would not start without their presence. He says the safety of the players is integral for the game to thrive.

Massaro strongly believes his experience has taught him that a football trainer can be terrifically rewarding experience and appeals to anyone interested in a prospective career as a football trainer to get in touch with the EDFL.

Enquiries can be directed to league manager Ken Moore on 0457 099 113 or Massaro, who is only to welcome to field questions on 0407 862 775.