For Emanuele Ziino, APIA Leichhardt Tigers is more than just a team – it’s a way of life.
Ziino started supporting the club as a five-year-old, travelling to Lambert Park as a youngster with his family.
Over the next 45 years the staunch APIA supporter has been a supporter, player or official and says he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“My first involvement with the club was as a supporter and I just haven’t looked back,” he said.
“Even till today I am the team manager for first grade, I help with the juniors and I also look after the tour to Italy every year being the Viareggio Tournament.
“I can remember as a kid going to games at Lambert Park which was a full house, a heap of Socceroos played on the ground in the 70’s and 80’s.
“One game I remember clearly was when we played against Olympic and we were down 1-0 with 15 minutes to go. We turned it around to win 2-1 and the 8,000 capacity crowd went absolutely nuts.
“I still think Lambert Park full has just as good if not better atmosphere than any ground in NSW.”
The 50-year-old spends a minimum of six days per week at the club, as well as playing for the Tigers over-35s team in the Canterbury District.
Now an institute at the club, Ziino says he wants to remain involved with football for as long as he can.
“What I love about this club is the history behind it,” he said.
“I remember the days playing in the old National Soccer League and the days where we created history with an unbeaten streak which was eventually broken by Brisbane Roar a few years ago.
“Even to this day I have people saying to not update the grandstand on Marion Street because it holds historical value.
“I think anywhere you go in Australia and you mention APIA, everyone will still know what and who we are and it is great.”
APIA Leichhardt Tigers travel to Belmore Sports Ground to take on Sydney Olympic this Sunday and it wouldn’t be hard to guess who will be one of the first there.
“I’ll still do all my duties for the first team,” he said.
“It is a special weekend looking back at our heritage, but for me now it is all about our players coming through and representing our club.”
Tickets are available at the gate of all venues this weekend. Attend your local Heritage Round fixture and use #NPLHeritageRound on social:
Heritage Round – Saturday 28 May 2016
6:30pm – Sutherland Sharks v Manly United – Seymour Shaw
7pm – Bonnyrigg WE v Rockdale City Suns – Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
7pm – Hakoah Sydney City East v Wollongong Wolves – Hensley Athletic Field
Heritage Round – Sunday 29 May 2016
3pm – Sydney Olympic v APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Belmore Sports Ground
3pm – Parramatta FC v Blacktown Spartans – Melita Stadium
4pm – Sydney United 58 v Blacktown City – Sydney United Sports Centre
-By Chris Georges
Leave a Reply