Growing up in Tatura, Tristan found his first love at five years old — soccer.
“My friend’s dad was actually my first coach and it sort of went from there, I played all my junior years there,” he said.
“I really found my passion for soccer in the community, I guess you could say.“
Tatura Soccer Club, or the Ibis, has a long and varied history.
Beginning in 1961, it has gone from strength to strength in homing some of the region’s best players.
Across the men’s, women’s and junior divisions, Tristan said there was a common theme.
“It’s a family club, it always has been filled with kind, caring people,” he said.
“And even though most of the players have probably moved away from Tat, a lot of them still go back to playing there, which says a lot.“
Tristan being one of them, even travelling from his home in Melbourne each week when studying.
“When I finished uni I had a bit more time on my hands, so I decided to take on the coaching role,” he said.
“I’ve really been enjoying it, I'm coaching my friends and being in a team with great people.
“And there's still a lot of familiar faces at the club that I've grown up with.”
He said the seniors were second on the ladder with hopes for taking out the big one this year.
10°C