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But if they received a cork here or a knock there, a tweak of a hamstring or a slight twisted ankle or knee lock it made me a little bit happy. Why? So I could watch the Sydney FC W-League Sports Strapper (Sports Physiotherapist) effortlessly glide onto the pitch as if part of God’s Angel Ambulance, fix them up and then just as glamorously glide back off the playing field.
I’m referring to the cutest of Sports Strapper’s in Australia; Sunny Sidhu, age 26, an Australian who was born in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur).
In terms of her experience and enjoyment levels, Sunny explains;
“Contacts and exposure at this level has led to many other opportunities in both football and other sports. Sydney FC is one of many high level sporting teams that I’ve had the fortune to work with, another one of which is the New South Wales Institute of Sport Women’s Football Team which is again coached by Alen Stajcic.
"All jobs have both satisfaction and frustration, thankfully with Sydney FC it’s all about the satisfaction. Budget restraints means we don’t have or get everything we need but the team works together, with no superstars it’s just one happy family. It makes it so much easier to handle any problems that may come along."
Image courtesy: Nick Guoth
Naturally Sunny is no stranger to playing sport herself, an all-rounder of sorts who loves every sport having played School Representative level Basketball, Netball and Cricket. Currently Sunny plays indoor futsal socially. Her favourite international player would be the little master Lionel Messi who not surprisingly also plays for her favourite team - Barcelona.
When quizzed on Sydney’s performance this year Sunny could not hide her delight and pride in the team.
“We played some absolutely brilliant football and the young ones coming through showed so much promise that it bodes well for Sydney and Aussie football future. The established players continue to impress with their attitude, commitment and on-field performance. It was again a pleasure to work with such a great team including players and staff. Bring on 2011!"
And on the note of the Westfield W-League Grand Final which Sydney lost to Brisbane 2-1;
“We underachieved. I really thought we had the goods to repeat last year’s success. Statistically we were the best team all year but that counts for nothing on the big day and ultimately, the better team won. It seemed Brisbane were hungrier, keener and wanted it more.
“Congratulations and well done to them. They’re a great team of both individual and combined talent. It makes a great game when playing opposition like Brisbane who move the ball well, attack fast and don’t take a backward step. If women’s football in Australia keeps advancing at the rate Sydney and Brisbane have shown this year then it won’t be long before we’re holding aloft the World Cup."
And on a final note;
“I would just like to say coaches and managers like Staj and Whip [Justine Whipper] do so much work that goes unnoticed and unrewarded. I am sure every team in the W-League can name their unnoticed heroes. The league would not be half as effective or enjoyable if it were not for the effort and work that these people put in. On behalf of the girls – I would like to thank them all."
So there you go folks I trust we will see the lovely Sunny appearing again for Sydney FC next year on the sidelines and see her grace our television screens whenever Sydney matches are televised. From all at The Football Sack we would like to thank Sunny for her time and wish her all the best for the future!