Football Federation SA holds beyondblue round to tackle depression in local clubs
ADELAIDE Comets football director Doug Paterson’s soccer dreams were derailed by injury and depression — now he is backing FFSA’s beyondblue round.
AS A 17-year-old, Doug Paterson had the soccer world at his feet.
Playing for Adelaide Croatia (now Raiders) in the SA first division, the talented centre back had just been selected for the Australian under-17 side when disaster struck.
“I broke my leg two weeks before I was supposed to go away (with the national team),” the Flinders Park resident says.
“From that time without even knowing I was suffering through depression.
“I put on weight and had no motivation.
“It really hit me hard because I’d missed that opportunity.”
The injury put Paterson on the sidelines for nine months.
When he tried to make a comeback he struggled.
“I couldn’t meet the expectations I used to.
“There wasn’t a lot of support around back then ... there was no counselling available.
“It was more ‘get your leg in a plaster and get on with it once it comes off’.”
Paterson, who is now football director at Adelaide Comets, says setting goals and working towards them helped get his life back on track.
He fulfilled his ambition of playing overseas during a stint with Scottish club Hamilton Academical and won a league and cup double with White City in 1993.
Speaking in the lead up to this weekend’s Football Federation SA beyondblue round he urges clubs to be aware of players’ mental welfare.
“Sports people, especially kids, suffer a lot of depression and anxiety, because they might never get to the level they want to,” the 42 year old says.
“We have an open door policy at Comets where any of the players can come in and talk to us about any problems they might be having.”
Beyondblue works to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community by raising awareness and empowering people to seek help.
In all 21 soccer clubs across Adelaide will take part in the charity round with collections tins, raffles and sausage sizzles.
To donate visit beyondblue.org.au