MASSIMO Mammone is already a highly respected young leader, and he’s just getting started.
The 17-year-old from Mildura has been appointed captain of Adelaide private school Westminster for the 2021 Sports Association for Adelaide Schools (SAAS) football competition.
The former Imperials junior, who learned his craft under club legend Tony Hickey, is in his third year at the school and has impressed many with his credentials as a footballer and a young man in their community.
“I feel super privileged to have been elected to such a high position,” Mammone said.
“The league itself is of a high standard and there have been a number of AFL players come from the system.
“My main focus is on how I can help this team become as successful as it can be, and there are a handful of guys here who definitely could make it at AFL level, so it’s my job to help them as much as I can in that sense.”
Mammone is looking to enter the commerce sector after high school, whether that be in Adelaide or back home in Mildura.
The teenager paid tribute to his junior coach Hickey for helping him into the position he is in.
“Tony (Hickey) was a legendary coach to have, he taught me pretty much everything I know when it comes to football. Things like setting the standard in how to play and prepare,” he said.
David Wallace, Westminster Head of Football lauded the leadership skills of Mammone.
“I got to know Massimo pretty early on and I could see even then that he was a real leader. He has great listening skills and is really inclusive,” he said.
“What I really like is that it’s not all about him. He is all about the role he can play in helping others to improve and shine.
“He is organised and well presented, both on and off the field. He’s not frightened to let you know what he thinks but he has the respect of all staff and students, not just in a sporting sense but as part of the school community as well.
“We interviewed Massimo for what is known as the Thomas Scholarship, which is rated very highly at Westminster, and he was successful in receiving that to enter the school.
“For independent coed schools, especially in South Australia, the two main sports are netball and Aussie Rules football, so to be named captain of the first 18 at this level is quite a high honour. He is also one of 10 elected house captains at the school.”
