Our Story:

About Us

Australian Sporting Essentials (ASE), was founded in Melbourne, Australia by Brad Winters with a group of like-minded teachers and sports coaches with over 50+ combined years in the industry.

Brad was inspired to create ASE after his own experience with incorrect technique during a game of AFL left him with a broken neck at the age of 19. 

We aim to create protective and developmental sporting equipment for all ages and abilities, ensuring athletes at all levels can safely play and maximise their potential in their chosen sport.

The ASE crew has been extensively involved in leadership, teaching, coaching, and playing sports from grassroots to a semi-professional level, including Australian Rules Football, Cricket, Netball, Rugby, and Basketball.

While continuing to evolve professionally as educators and coaches, we founded ASE to ensure all players have access to high-quality, affordable sporting goods and programs.

Brad’s Story

ASE founder Brad Winters broke his neck at the tender age of 19 during a game of Australian Rules Football. 

Unfortunately, Brad was misdiagnosed at the time and the extent of the damage wasn’t discovered until many years later. This aside, Brad spent four months in a neck brace and the next 10 years doing everything in his power trying to get his body right to come back and play the sport he loved.

He saw the best doctors and surgeons from around the world and had eight operations but wasn’t able to get his body to a position where he could play in the same way he used to. 

Brad has lived through chronic pain his whole adult life which he has learnt to manage. But, today Brad is a father and a coach of his son's football team. He questioned whether he wanted someone he loves or the kids he coaches to experience what he went through. 

He reflects that even when he was playing junior football, he wasn't taught the correct techniques. Brad now wants to see a greater emphasis on safety across the board including enhanced education and a greater focus on protective headgear.

With this in mind, Brad launched Australian Sporting Essentials in 2023 to provide a range of football headgear specifically designed for Australian Rules Football with ear channels removed for improved peripheral hearing. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to be the go-to destination for all grassroots leveled sports clubs and participants, providing sporting products that are protective and enhance development. We will educate and provide products that are safe, comfortable, and provide increased layers of safety for our future.

Our Products

We carry and are developing a wide range of sporting goods from professional suppliers, including equipment for team sports, individual sports, and outdoor activities. 

Our products are carefully designed and selected to ensure quality and value. These products will improve skill and development, and aim to safely protect us while playing our chosen sports.