Outstanding netball player Tara Watson is preparing for another exciting year, assisted by Whittlesea Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates’ athlete sponsorship program.
Each year Whittlesea Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates sponsor local athletes from different sporting backgrounds, helping them access patient-centred physiotherapy treatment, injury prevention, home exercise programs and clinical pilates.
Watson will have a busy schedule ahead of her this year, playing in the championship division for North East Blaze in the Victorian Netball League, receiving a scholarship at the Victorian Institute of Sport, while also in the mix for Victorian state team selection.
The Whittlesea 19-year-old said it would be her third year in the program that would help her ‘stay on track’ with netball.
“I found it a lot more helpful, I have easier access to all the physios and everything with the regular appointments, and I found like beforehand, I wouldn’t go and see a physio as much as I should,” she said.
“It’s really been beneficial having that access and that connection with the people there as well.”
Watson is a centre-court player, a position that requires high stamina and strength.
“There’s a lot of demand for the body, so [the program] helps me flush out any tightness or soreness and helps me keep going,” she said.
While the program supports athletes physically, Watson said there were other benefits.
“I think it definitely helps everyone mentally prepare for the sport … it helps you be confident with your body and know that you’re in shape to perform,” she said.
Waston’s career highlights so far include making the Victorian state team and the Australian under 17 and 19 squads.
Looking forward, Watson hopes to join the Suncorp Super Netball League and take her career to the highest level.
“When I started trialling for the state teams, I decided that [netball] was something I would love to do in the future if I could and something I want to work for,” she said.
Watson said she was grateful for the opportunity provided by the clinic and its staff and recommended it to athletes who were looking for support in their chosen sport.
“They’re just great people, and we should be very grateful as a community to have access to a program like they’re giving out,” she said.
Whittlesea Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates practice manager Mick Heyfron said the program took care of athletes, from monitoring injuries to tracking their journeys.
“We give them a platform where we do assessments on them as well, and then from those assessments, we’ll ask them where they feel they need support and guidance,” he said.
“That whole 12 months, we monitor their progress, and they sort of keep us updated on where they’re at, how they’re tracking, but we follow their journey and help promote them as well.”
Other athletes to receive sponsorship include Blake Watson, Liam Burns, Emily Wunderlich, Justin Chamber-Jones, Charlie Parks, Jack Wunderlich, Rocki Fraumano and Emily Fitzgerald.
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