Interview with Victor Cinco (AFL) Australian Football League, by Rodrigo Baak
When do you started playing with the team?
How do you learn about this sport?
I began playing AFL (Australian Football League, Aka: Footy) with the Toronto Central Blues in 2010. I had never heard of the sport before nor did I know what i was getting myself into.
I first found out about Footy while playing High School Rugby, The Aussie X Program came to my school to introduce the sport of Footy and Cricket. One of the instructors saw potential in me and encouraged me to come out and train with the Blues.
The Coach at the time, Jaye Macumber, saw the same potential and took the time to help me develop my skills individually Next thing I know We’re Celebrating the club’s First Championship Victory.
My first year’s memories are very vague, between learning all the rules and working on my skills the year flew past me in a flash. I don’t remember much of the actual games each weekend but i do recall the incredible amount of support that the club and the coaches had to offer.
What motivate you to go to Australia?
There was an AFL international Tournament scheduled in Melbourne AUS for august of 2011.
In hopes of making the cut for team Canada, and being able to represent the countryin Australia, Coach Jaye suggested living in Australia for a year and training with teams down under.
This would act as an accelerated program towards learning the game and perfecting my skills. At first i was Skeptical about such big decision but since i had just finished high school and was looking to have a year off, i decided to go ahead with it and left in January 2011.
How was your life experience while in Australia?
My Life Experience was a shock as well as an eye opener. This was the first time i left my parents house to be on my own, not to mention half way around the world. It took a lot of confidence and inner strength for the first few weeks to be able to wake up every morning and face all the responsibilities and troubles that come with independence. Lucky the team that i began to train with was a great club and all the players were very welcoming and helpful.
The same week that i got there we were already doing pre-season training and skill work. It came as no surprise that the skills there were much more advanced then here in Toronto and in order to keep up i had to work really hard. During the season, apart from work, all i did was footy, 3 times a week plus the endless hours that i practiced at home.
This all payed off when the Blues coach Jaye, Which also became the team Canada coach sent me an email telling me that i made the team. In August we participated in the IC11 (International Cup 2011) and it was an explainable experience. Meeting people from all over the world, playing footy for 2 weeks straight, and attending all the events hosted by the AFL was something that i had never experienced before, and would love to experience again.
Did you have a interviews?
Unfortunately for this sport, it is not as popular as some others in the country, and a lot of the funding comes from the players themselves.
I have had interview in the past regarding my trip to Australia.
They all helped as fundraiser as well as exposure towards the league, the sport, and myself.
There interviews included a radio talk show, and an interview with CTV news before i left. i also had the pleasure to be names in a number of online articles while the ICU11 was in progress.
Any offer?
I recently received an email from the current Team Canada coach inviting me to be part of the team that will be going down next year for the cup. They mentioned that they rate me as one of the best talents, and they would really benefit from having me as part of the team. I am very thankful of this opportunity, and will to my best to be able to join them and represent the country once again.
Any future trips?
I am currently thinking of participating in the International Cup in August 2014. If everything works out this year with work and finances i hope to be there for sure.
Are you currently working?
I am currently working as a manager at the 3 Brewers in Oakville. This is a micro brewery restaurant that originated in France, and is now expanding here in Ontario.
I have always been in the hospitality industry, and through hard work was lucky to secure this position with such a great company.
Any plans, events coming up?
Unfortunately our season is now over, and we are are headed into pre-season. We do however have our Grand Final Party on Friday Sept 27th, and the Vic pub (our sponsor pub) in Toronto. This event is were the Central Blues get together with family and friends to watch the AFL Grand Final game. Along with the game, we also have raffles and activities and it is overall just a great way to socialize with the club.
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