Berwick footballer Shaun Fricot fought back from life-threatening injuries to take field again

SHAUN Fricot always loved playing football but until this year wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to play again.

Shaun Fricot rehabs his way back to football after being hit by a car

SHAUN Fricot always loved playing football but until this year wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to play again.

The Berwick 20-year-old was 15 when he was hit by a car while crossing at an intersection during his walk home from school.

The collision threw him metres into the air and he suffered an acquired brain injury, a severed artery near his skull, fractures to his face, cheekbones and knees, and was in and out of a wheelchair for months afterwards.

His injuries meant he missed eight months of year nine.

He still has post traumatic stress disorder but has managed to finish year 11 and become a qualified assistant to the sports teacher, working at Nazareth College in Noble Park.

This year he got back out on the football field, playing with the St John’s Old Collegians in Dandenong.

“(Going back out onto the field) was a really, really weird experience because I was thinking so much about what to expect; I had been watching games for so long while not being able to play ... it was really nerve wracking around people but they really moved with care,” he said.

“I’m not the biggest one either and playing against men was different as well (but) it was nice; I kicked a goal.

“I lost a lot of confidence and self esteem from not being around my mates as much and stuff; it was difficult missing out on deb and not being able to go out and be part of the community at school (but working at the school) just makes me feel like I haven’t missed out on that much.

“I love working with kids and getting to teach classes; it’s been really good for my personal development as well.”