Not being able to play our beautiful game due to COVID-19 has affected our NPL players in different ways, in Paul Galimi’s case, it’s the APIA Leichhardt dressing sheds and the great banter that the tough tackling defender has missed most since football went into shutdown mode over a month ago.
“I miss everything about football, who wouldn’t?
“But the biggest thing I miss would have to be the great banter in the APIA changerooms.
“We have so many characters in our dressing sheds that keep us ticking and sane, I miss those laughs.”
The NPL NSW Men’s version of the ‘Crazy Gang’, a term used by the English media to describe Wimbledon FC during the 1980s and 90s, its little wonder the 2019 Championship winner misses being a part of that.
Coronavirus has hit our proud sport of football hard across the globe but as Galimi stated to Football NSW, it’s the simple things in life that he’s felt the absence of more than ever since self-isolation went into top gear.
“Like everyone else, my usual daily routine has come to a halt due to the closure of many business’ and restrictions on social gatherings due to COVID-19.
“I have honestly come to appreciate the smaller things in life such as going for a simple walk around the block.”
The no nonsense defender has been fortunate that work wise its been business as usual with his job as Project Manager of Lowa Lighting deemed essential by the Federal Government.
“For me not much has changed in the job aspect of things.
“Fortunately, my profession is considered an ‘essential’ service which has seen me operate as normal.
“But like most industries, things have slowed down and less projects are running, something I’m hoping will flip around soon in seeing people regaining their jobs and businesses once more.”
Galimi however has used his spare time since lockdown appropriately on things that he had put on the back-burner due to football taking priority with the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season in full swing.
“I have had a lot of free time on my hands to do the things I enjoy most which includes cooking, reading and spending time with my dog Jasper.
“Training three days a week with a game on weekends is quite hectic so to be able to slow down a bit has been a pleasant surprise.”
The APIA star has ticked over during this sudden break keeping fit and healthy albeit with a little help from the club’s assistant coach Nick Stavroulakis as well as some help from Sean and Josh Symons’ father Scott.
“I am quite lucky that I live close by my teammate and assistant coach ‘Stava’ who has pieced together ball work sessions each week at the local park close to us.
‘Stava’ has asked me to call him Diego Simeone during each session which I have found a bit weird.
“To maintain my cardiovascular fitness, I have been fortunate enough to train with Scott Symons once or twice, which involves a lot speed and agility work.”
With APIA hoping to light up Lambert Park soon playing the game they love, Galimi has urged that the football public continue to exercise caution with social distancing rules..
“Continue to follow the advice and guidelines set by the government which will allow us to return to football sooner rather than later.
“At the end of the day, our health is more important than football, so I encourage everyone to be smart and stay safe.”