ROLAND Winter’s foray into coaching began simply enough – his wife’s football team needed a sideline mentor.
Fast forward to 2017 and theManly Vale women’s Premier League co-coach couldn’t imagine doing anything else from April to August.
“It feels like so long ago,” Winter said.
“It was 1999, and my wife was playing with Beacon Hill at the time.
“A few years later (2002), I moved to Manly Vale where I have been ever since.
“Some of the girls I coached were in their early 20s – now they are married with kids.”
Winter runs a successful martial arts business in Brookvale and revealed the traditional Asian sport is his other sporting passion.
“I’ve always enjoyed both sports, they offer so much,” he said.
“I’ve met some great people along the way who are now lifelong friends.”
Winter, who is part of the Australian martial arts Hall of Fame, is also enjoying co-coaching football.
Along with Tony Bruzzano, Winter has guided Manly Vale’s women’s Premier League squad to an unbeaten season so far.
“After coaching against Tony for so long, it is nice to work side by side,” he said.
“I think we compliment one another very well.”
