OL Vaccaro getting better

Matteo Vaccaro earned a spot on Team Manitoba U18 at this year’s Canada Cup in Nova Scotia. The offensive lineman from St.Paul’s has also suited up for Team Manitoba U16, the Fort Garry Lions, and the Crescentwood Grizzlies over the course of his 9 year football career.

“The thing I like most about my position is that I control the speed of the game and I’m the one that gets the play started,” mentioned Matteo.

Once he’s finished at St. Paul’s High School, Matteo’s future plans are to go into business, and to play football at a university level.

The recruitment process has gone well for Matteo, Matteo added, “I just recently played in the Canada cup where I had a couple scouts watch the way I play and talk to me.”

Matteo has yet to commit to any post-secondary programs, but his top 3 choices would be the University of Ottawa, Manitoba, and Alberta. Matteo likes Manitoba because it’s where he’s from, and it would be a great place because it would be close to home. If any family member wanted to watch Matteo play it would be close for them. Matteo would pick Ottawa because it is one of the schools that has talked to him, and he’s interested in their program and the succession that they have had. Matteo’s other choice is Alberta because he’s interested in their program, and he’s heard good things from people he knows that have played there.

When Matteo reaches the next level of football he thinks that adjusting will be a little hard, but by doing his best and training hard he could see himself doing well.

Matteo’s personal expectations of himself at the next level are that he has the chance to practice with the team and play.

This off-season, Matteo has been in the gym lifting weights with a trainer and on his own. Matteo has also been doing some field work, whether it’s doing steps, or speed work.

The most influential people in Matteo’s life have been his parents. “They are always there for me,” said Matteo. “They never miss a game of mine and they have always been supportive of me playing football.”

Football means so much to Matteo, he explained, “I grew up playing football and I have loved the game ever since.”

Two of the most memorable experiences for Matteo to date have been getting the chance to compete at the Canada Cup, as well as playing in the provincial finals in Manitoba where his high school team won.

“Things that I have learnt from football are to be respectful with one another and that we are a family and should love one another like a family,” concluded Matteo.

Matteo Vaccaro
Offensive Line (Centre, Guard)
5’10, 250lbs

Teams: St. Paul’s Crusaders (WHSFL), Fort Garry Lions (MMFA), Crescentwood Grizzlies (MMFA), Manitoba U16, Manitoba U18
Commitment: none
Official Visits: none
Considerations: open
Class: 2019