Sporting clubs across Bendigo face the prospect of cancelling games or copping fines unless a shortage of medical support staff is met.
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Secretary of the Bendigo Sports Trainers Association Decinta Watkins said meeting the demand for trainers – staff who administer first aid, strapping, massage and injury prevention – was a perennial struggle.
“Clubs are obliged to have someone with first aid experience at every game,” Ms Watkins said.
“At the moment we’ve got five clubs in contact with us, trying to source trainers – and there will be more coming though.
“They include football-netball clubs in the Heathcote, Bendigo and Loddon Valley leagues as well the junior sports leagues.”
But Ms Watkins said that with students returning to La Trobe this month she hoped that demand would soon be met.
“It is great work experience for students who want to pursue relevant employment down the track, such as physiotherapy,” she said.
“And it’s a good weekend job.”
Not that it is only a gig for students.
“Our members are all from various backgrounds and by day are farmers, truck drivers, government workers, physiotherapists, students, hospitality staff, retirees, mums and dads and so much more,” Ms Watkins said.
“We have members who have been sports trainers for 20-30 years and some who have just started in the industry.”
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Ms Watkins said being a sports trainer not only helped keep people active and allowed them to give back to the community, but that it was a great opportunity for social interaction, friendship, work experience and personal development.
“But year in and year out there are many clubs that have positions that cannot be filled as there is not enough people wanting to take up the positions,” she said.
“So we are wanting to get the word out there and let every one know that becoming a sports trainer can be a rewarding experience and that there is lots of support available to help people along their sports trainers journey.”
The Bendigo Sports Trainers Association’s next meeting will be this Wednesday at 7:30pm at the White Hills Football Club rooms.
Ms Watkins said everyone was welcome to attend meetings.