How did you get into sport?
This is the “How did you get into sport?” podcast where we explore the ins and outs of working in high performance sport.
These are conversations with leaders in the industry about their journey and most importantly how they got to where they are. Working in professional sport is one of the most sought after yet highly competitive industries with limited professional organisations offering opportunities to work at the highest level of their respective sports.
This podcast was created on the back of countless conversations with a diverse range of experienced professionals overly frustrated yet still highly motivated to work in their dream role and asking the question “How did you get to work in professional sport and what did you have to do to get there?” Host Luis Resa is a Sports Physiotherapist who has worked in various elite professional organisation both in Australia and internationally.
In each episode, Luis has deep conversations with Sports Physiotherapist, S&C coaches, Head coaches, High Performance Managers and other leaders in the field of elite sport to discuss what it takes to excel in the world of sport as well as diving deeply into the intricacies of what got their foot in the door of some of the world’s most desirable roles.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. In the meantime, enjoy a deep conversation and learn the specific do’s and don’ts of both securing and surpassing expectations in the field of high performance sport.
How did you get into sport?
Cullan Ball - Head Physiotherapist Western Sydney Wanderers (WSW), A-League
Cullan Ball is a sports physiotherapist who’s worked with some of the biggest clubs across several different codes in Australia. Cullan has worked with the likes of Port Melbourne FC (VFL), Essendon FC (AFL), Melbourne Rebels (Super Rugby), Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL), Cronulla Sharks (NRL) and Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League), with the last 4 clubs holding the head physiotherapist position. Cullan was a pleasure to speak with due to his abundance of knowledge across not only different clubs but also across the 4 major professional sports in Australia that all started with no intentions to work in sport at all. Sit back and enjoy Cullan's story of how he acquired each of his roles, the challenges, highlights and lessons he learnt through his journey in high performance sport.
Highlights from the episode…
- Only 9 months after graduating Cullan made the courageous move to buy his own private practice.
- Having spent most of his career treating occupational injuries in private practice. Cullan got his first role with a club with Port Melbourne FC in the VFL.
- Cullan and I discuss the importance of making an investment, where in the short term there may be no return, but pays off in the long term.
- After 8 seasons with Port Melb. Cullan shares a funny story of how he got the opportunity to work in the AFL with the Essendon FC.
- Cullan and I discuss how “self doubt” can actually be advantageous!
- Cullan shares what led to him transitioning into the Head Physio role for Melb. Rebels in professional Rugby.
- Cullan talks about his 3 seasons at the Rebels and how he received a call regarding a return to AFL with the GWS Giants.
- Cullan shares his experience at GWS including the challenges of balancing family and work and the highlights of making the clubs first AFL grand final.
- After GWS he then transitioned into a new role as Head Physio for the Cronulla Sharks, NRL.
- Having now transitioned into several head physio roles across different clubs. Cullan shares how he navigates through the first few weeks after joining a new club.
- Outside of your technical skills, what has been the one skill Cullan you feel has made you successful in your roles?
- Cullan shares how much he enjoyed his role at Cronulla and explains why he then made the move to football (soccer) as Head Physio for Western Sydney Wanderers.
- We have a vulnerable conversation around age, family, time and a persons longevity in the industry.
- Cullan explains how the transition into football has been the greatest shift out of all his roles.
- What Cullan’s has seen across clubs & sports around screening processes for injury.
People mentioned:
- Craig Christie - https://www.citysouthphysio.com.au/our-staff.html
- Merion Jones - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meirion-jones-aa18a637/?originalSubdomain=au
- David Joyce - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-joyce01/?originalSubdomain=au
- Nathan Pickworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-pickworth-247784148/?originalSubdomain=au
Cullan Ball's contact details:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cullan-ball-636bb856/
Host: Luis Resa
Contact me on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
- Email: luis.resa@outlook.com
Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
