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Fragogiannis buzzing about pitch upgrade

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Sydney United 58 defender Yianni Fragogiannis was pretty excited to return to training once more, and why wouldn’t he be? Apart from being able to train with his teammates again post COVID-19 restrictions, the famous National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s club recently completed its surface upgrade headlining it as one of the best artificial pitches in the country.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air with everything that’s been going on in the world the last few months to have been given the green light to train once more.

“Like most people, the main priority is the health (both mentally and physically) wellbeing of the community so to see the positive results with restrictions easing has been great to see. I hope this trend continues so we can all go back to doing the things we love as we did before this virus hit.

“We’re extremely lucky at Sydney United to have the best facilities with the new pitch, and the best coaching staff going around so to be able to work with everyone again has been refreshing.

“The pitch itself is in immaculate condition and as a player you enjoy playing on quality grounds, we can’t wait to zing a few balls on the pitch that’s for sure.”

The 29-year-old highlighted that his weekends of playing in the nation’s best NPL competition has been sorely missed under the watchful eye of head coach and former Socceroo Zeljko Kalac.

“Definitely the thing I miss most is match day’s every weekend.

“You honestly cannot replicate the competitive edge that comes around each weekend during the season and as a club we hope that we can play some form football this year.”

Since the COVID-19 lockdown in March, Fragogiannis was fortunate that as a commercial broker, its been business as usual occupation wise.

“Correct, I work in the financial services industry as a commercial broker, so I’ve been quite lucky in the sense that I’ve still been able to work (albeit through other methods such as Zoom, Skype etc).

“I think we definitely need to recognise the unbelievable work that our health workers do each and every day to protect the community. They’re the real heroes through all of this and should be commended for their efforts.

“I’ve been very fortunate in the sense that my immediate family/friends and I haven’t been impacted too badly over the last few months. My heart goes out to those families that have been affected and I sincerely hope that there hasn’t been a significant negative impact amongst the football community in NSW and Australia as a whole.”

In his eighteenth season playing the game he loves, the former Sutherland Sharks and Blacktown City star enjoyed spending time at home during the self-isolation period and picked up the sport of Golf during the unprecedented layoff.

“I love being at home in general so for me nothing really changed when the restrictions were at its highest earlier in the year.

“Spending time with my wife, close family and friends more recently has been a blessing in disguise as we all live very busy lives so take a step back from all of that has been good in a way.

“I also picked up a hobby in the form of Golf. I’m no Tiger Woods but it’s something I’ve really enjoyed doing every weekend since football stopped.”

 

Bushfire heartbreak for Price but Wolves star soldering on

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It was a heartbreaking start to the year for Wollongong Wolves’ long serving stalwart Chris Price who, along with the thousands of residents down the South Coast, battled the horrific bushfires that ripped through the state which resulted in many losing their homes and lives.

The 34-year-old along with his young family were directly impacted and were lucky that they all came out unscathed on New Years Eve while staying at his parents property – for his mother and father though, it was a gut wrenching site as they lost their entire property.

“We were very lucky that we got out with our lives on New Years Eve.

“We tried so hard to fight the fire, waited until the last minute to leave and found ourselves in a pretty precarious situation.

“My parents had the wreckage on their block cleared only a few weeks ago, so they are now starting the slow process of rebuilding.

“That fire and now COVID-19 has made 2020 a testing year so far.

“But like everyone, I’m sure it has brought us closer together and reminded us that family is the most important thing in life.”

In times of real need you call upon your family and friends for support and Price had just that in the form of Australian Boomers and San Antonio Spurs star Patty Mills.

“My wife knows Patty from their time at the AIS together so that is the connection.

“Patty had just over 5 days off during the NBA All-Star weekend.

“He chose to fly to Australia and travel around to some of the places that had been affected by the bushfires to offer support.

“He was so generous and delivered much needed supplies to assist locals with the recovery process.

“It was great for my wife to catch up with Patty and for him to meet my family.

“He is a true gentleman and brought a smile to many people’s faces during a devastating period.”

With the fires impacting Price, COVID-19 then appeared soon after, throwing more stress on him and his family and his everyday life as a schoolteacher and footballer.

“Personally, it changed the way work operated for me for a time, restricted my interactions with family and friends and of course took away football which left me with more free time in the evenings.

“It has been nice to be able to spend that time with our 18-month-old son, I have really enjoyed that.

“But its given me time for my wife and I to build our own house so that has required a fair bit of my attention.

“I have still been working as a primary teacher during the lockdown albeit under different circumstances.

“Once we were allowed, we also spent time with family which was refreshing as we got to enjoy our parents company especially after what happened on New Years Eve.

“My wife and I have been down the Coast most weekends before the restrictions and since they’ve eased, we’ve been on their farm helping them clean up, building new fences and basically helping mum and dad get back on their feet.”

During the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, Price paid a glowing tribute to fellow teammate Nick Littler who battled the virus head on as a registered nurse at the St George Hospital.

“Litts is a quality guy and I think his job really typifies him as a person.

“He has had to put himself and his little family in a tricky situation for all of us.

“It is something we all should not take lightly and be extremely grateful for.

“Not only is he a champion bloke but a quality footballer and we are lucky to have him at the Wolves.”

On the football front, Price has been happy that he along with his Wolves teammates, have been able to train once more after restrictions were recently eased in NSW.

“It was certainly a huge relief for us all.

“Getting to see all the boys and hitting the pitch even in a restricted capacity, has been great.

“We are a tight knit group of guys and being able to get away from the seriousness of the world, enjoy each other’s company and talk a bit of rubbish has been very refreshing.

“I’ve missed the game so much.

“When you play football, it allows you to switch off from the daily grind and put your energy and focus into something you really enjoy.

“Probably the biggest thing I have missed is the comradery amongst the boys and of course nothing beats a winning feeling and having success as a team.”

 

 

 

 

 

King Carlos missing Popondetta Park

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Mt Druitt Town Rangers’ well admired number one custodian and club captain Carlos Saliadarre is quite simply over it.

No football thanks to COVID-19 has really tested one of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s keeper’s patience with the 31-year-old hoping to play some kind of football this season.

“What can I say, I really miss my football.

“I miss the change room, I miss the banter, the laughs – there’s just nothing quite like it, especially when you have Pav in your team.

“I miss the competition, from the training games to game day. All of it.

“I miss pushing myself. I miss the thrill of an action packed game. The highs the lows. The smell of freshly cut grass.

“There’s nothing quite like the freedom of game day that for ninety minutes nothing else in the world matters, just the game.”

Now do you believe me?

Now can you see how much ‘King Carlos’ feels without having his football fix around.

Be very careful when throwing the word COVID-19 around to Saliadarre – the unfortunate pandemic threw the keeper and the rest of the world for that matter out of routine in more ways than one.

“COVID-19 has been tough to deal with, its honestly taken me out of my routine that I’ve worked on for so many years that consisted of work, school pick up the kids, gym, then home and off to training.

“So of course it took a while getting used to it but I didn’t like it.

“I’ve played every year of my life since I was three so you can imagine how much I’ve struggled in regards to missing the game.

“I’m missing the boys and especially the competition of game day and training. I love that.

“I love training hard and competing, so it’s definitely been tough.”

His body is his temple to anyone that knows Saliadarre really well, the three plus months of non-competitive football hasn’t slowed the shot-stopper down who was fortunate enough to have put together a gym in keeping him in check – with his physique at least.

“During the full self-isolation period, no gyms were open and obviously training was cancelled so that was tough to initially deal with.

“I was lucky enough to have put together a little gym set-up at home with my brother in law though.

“We’ve made it a daily ritual of using it every day after work in the afternoon.

“I can’t say I’ve touched a football in months though or my boots and gloves, a part that I haven’t really enjoyed but with restrictions easing and training’s allowed, they’ll be getting a work-out very very soon.”

It wasn’t the best of starts for Saliadarre and co in the NPL NSW Men’s top tier competition as after two rounds the club suffered two defeats.

Redemption is something the club will be looking for should any form of football take shape this season with the Rangers hoping to better their performances should they get given another opportunity in 2020.

For Carlos’ sake and sanity, we hope they do as this footballer is really missing the world game.

Brighter days are coming for Gulisano

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Rockdale Ilinden’s new 2020 signing Samuel Gulisano was left one frustrated footballer after COVID-19 put a halt to what was a promising start with his new club.

The 22-year-old was slowly finding his feet playing some decent football following his move from APIA Leichhardt FC until the NPL was put on temporary hold in March this year.

Returning back to Illinden, a club he spent time with as a junior before playing for the likes of APIA and the Marconi Stallions, COVID-19 viris rocked the rising NPL star’s progress to the top.

“We worked so hard during pre-season to get off to the start that we did.

“Head-coach Steve Zoric and his assistants Jane Talcevski and Gary Deprato had done such a professional job in getting us all fit and playing a really nice style of football which I was really enjoying.

“I felt like I was getting into a groove with my new club and with the confidence shown in me by Steve, Jane and Gary, I was just starting to showcase what I could do, and then it all just came to a halt, which was disappointing, but looking forward to hopefully being able to pick up where we left off.”

Now with training sessions only brought back into play as Level 1 restrictions take centre stage, Gulisano was eagerly anticipating the next steps in getting the sport back to normality once more.

“It definitely did put a smile on my face I won’t lie when we were told training sessions were back on.

“It’s been pleasing to see that as a community we’ve been able to work together to follow and maintain social distancing to allow for this to happen.

“Working on training on my own has kept me sane but knowing we’ll be heading back to training with the first-grade squad any day now is a great feeling. Nothing can compare to it.

“I’ve really missed the healthy competition; being able to grow around quality players; and getting smashed at training by head-coach Steve and his assistants.

“I’ve also missed the banter being around the boys in the change rooms and just the passion of playing football and competing for three points week in week out – something we hope to get back as restrictions ease even further.”

Keeping the body and mind occupied in a positive manner was something Gulisano has continued to do especially throughout the isolation period – that and keeping up his status as an apparent FIFA 20 Champion.

“We got given programs from the coaching staff at Rockdale which I’ve been following in keeping the legs ticking over.

“I have also been getting together to train with a couple of the other Rockdale boys like Patty Savor and keeper David Bradasevic to stay fit although at the end of the day, it can never replicate match fitness.

“I suppose every player in our league will be in the same boat once we kick off again.

“Outside of football, I’ve just been spending some quality down-time with my family.

“My girlfriend has also been trying to get me to learn how to cook.

“I can’t say that you’ll be seeing me on MasterChef anytime soon but I will say my butter to toast spread ratio is spot on.

“I’d also be lying if I said there haven’t been any late-night FIFA tournaments and Call of Duty online parties with the boys.

“I’m a self-proclaimed FIFA champ so I’m happy to put a challenge out there for anyone who thinks they can take me on.

“I’ve found it hard not having the usual sports to follow during the lockdown period such as the EPL and other European Football Leagues, so I’m just happy that the NRL is finally back at least, as outside of football, I’m a massive Parramatta Eels fan and would love to see them win a Premiership while I’m still alive.”

Following on with the theme, the talented attacker picked up a couple of new hobbies during his new-found down-time that included FIFA 20 of course as well as the purchase of a fire-pit!

“Other than the attempted cooking skills mentioned earlier and FIFA challenges, my girlfriend and her family bought a fire-pit which we like to sit around and chill together while playing a few card games – It’s been a nice way to relax and kill time.”

Playing football since he was five, the current Rockdale star also had a couple of jobs that kept him busy, that is until COVID-19 came into play, although he managed to bag himself a gig at Woolworths.

“Before COVID-19 hit I was working for a business called “Play-on”- we teach sport and resilience in primary schools which obviously had to stop due to restrictions.

“However I was lucky enough to be provided ‘JobKeeper’ by my other employer, “Aussie Pacific” – a wholesale clothing company, and massive shoutout to them as they’ve always been so accommodating and understanding of my football commitments.

“As “Play-on” work paused, I managed to pick up a job at Woolworths to help during this time.

“I guess you could call me essential now.”

Back to the NPL, Gulisano was asked what the message behind his famous goal celebration was during Rockdale’s round 2 clash against rivals Sutherland Sharks meant after scoring his maiden goal for the club.

The image itself captured by Football NSW photography Jeremy Ng went viral as it showed Gulisano making what appeared to be a phone call using one of his shin pads.

“To be honest there wasn’t really much behind that celebration!

“I’d spoken to my friends and some team-mates about some possible funny/different post-goal celebrations in the past and suggested that one because I’d never seen it done anywhere around the world of football before, so was good to get the opportunity to crack a goal and have that celebration with my team-mates.

“The goal happened to break the deadlock in a really tight match at a crucial part of the game towards the back end of the second half and at that moment the goal celebration just felt right.

“The Football NSW photographer did a great job in capturing that moment and it will definitely go down as a highlight for me.

“When people have asked me what it was about, I just tell them I was calling the missus.”

Life set to change for Stallions star Giorgio Speranza

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Marconi Stallions defender Giorgio Speranza is preparing for the next challenge in his life and this time it doesn’t involve a round ball.

The 28-year-old was met with some amazing news that he and his wife Gabriella were expecting their first baby in September.

“Yes that’s correct, my beautiful wife Gabriella is pregnant with our baby being due in September.

“Excited is an understatement!

“My wife and friends have already been going crazy with online shopping, purchasing many outfits from some of my favourite brands and football teams such as Nike and Juventus.

“We cannot wait to welcome this new bundle of joy into our lives.”

It’s always beautiful to hear the true emotion coming out of a guy ready to embark on his next journey as the Nutella obsessed soon to be father explained that its been a monumental 2020 thus far – away from the baby news, Speranza, like so many, had to adjust to life during the COVID-19 lockdown which he did quite well adding to his growing list of new hobbies as well as sharing quality time with his wife and family. The time away from the game also allowed Giorgio to create a football training page that is now followed by almost three thousand followers, not bad!

“COVID-19 had a significant impact on my everyday life.

“People who know me know that I’m a very outgoing person; I love spending time with my family and friends and going out to eat which made being stuck at home very difficult.

“On a positive note, in October last year I got married and moved into my in-laws place at Kyle Bay.

“This time has allowed me to get to know them on a more personal level and even learn to speak a bit of Greek.

“The football lockdown gave me my first break from competition matches and training since I started playing football at the age of 7.

“I had almost too much time on my hands, a feeling you can imagine was very surreal and new.

“Having a strong passion for Italian food, my wife and I took up a new hobby of cooking for the family. My most delicious meal yet is a gnocchi quattro formaggi.

“Netflix was my main source of entertainment with Money Heist being my favourite show.

“Being a footballer, it was almost impossible to stay away from the football pitch, this is where I discovered a new passion for coaching. I began an Instagram page called @Giorfutbol and began to train young athletes in a 1 on 1 environment. I recorded bits and pieces of my sessions and posted them online and pretty quickly my following grew.

“That is definitely taking up most of what would be my football time at the moment.

“If you are interested in training ideas then give me a follow.”

Giorgio is obsessed with training, so the news that gyms and any on field activities with groups were forbidden really tested his patience – but it was there he discovered other ways in keeping himself in check with his vigorous fitness routine.

“The closure of gyms and no football training was my main method of keeping fit and motivated.

“I found it quite difficult to keep fit for the first few weeks, however, I adapted to the new lifestyle by going for runs whilst listening to my music and coaching young athletes, helping to maintain my touch, ball control and speed and agility.

“I was also able to introduce new methods of training such as ball related drills on the sand dunes at Wanda Beach, playing tennis and working out at an outdoor gym equipment area.”

Footballers across NSW were heard rejoicing last Friday as news filtered through that Training Sessions Only were once again introduced in the easing of restriction levels, a message Speranza and his Stallions teammates were waiting for ever so much.

“As you can imagine, I was closely watching my team’s WhatsApp group for any updates and messages on when training was going to return.

“When I saw that the green light was given last Friday it brought a smile to my face.

“I am very excited of the thought of going back to training and seeing all of the boys again.

“I am just looking forward to getting back into routine and doing what we love.”

Many clubs dabbled into technology during the break which saw an increase in teams communicating via Zoom, something the Stallions NPL NSW Men’s side did also with the main objective of checking in on every player seeing if they were ok mentally above anything else.

“It was definitely a new way of doing things, but the coaches and players kept and continue to keep in good contact over the social isolation period, mainly through Zoom meetings.

“This has allowed us to keep the spirit and banter alive.

“The boys are a tight group which spend time together outside of football so keeping in contact with them has certainly kept us grounded but has kept us sane as well.”

Workwise, Giorgio, or Mr Speranza/Sir to his Freeman Catholic College students works as a PDHPE teacher. Again, like the Zoom meeting catch ups with his Stallions teammates, Speranza had to engage in technology ensuring he was communicating with his students and the school.

“Working as a PDHPE teacher at Freeman Catholic College, the only real change and challenge for me was the transition to remote teaching and learning during the full COVID-19 restrictions.

“With no face-to-face teaching, I was required to plan my work and submit it via google classroom, an online learning platform.

“Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to work from home and stay in your pyjamas all day, although it created a lot more effort and chasing up students for their work was not fun!

“Now that the restrictions have eased, I am now back to full-time teaching on-site, which has been great to reconnect with the teachers and students. “

Brotherly love is something Giorgio only knows too well.

The older brother of Stallions’ well-known comedian (‘Taco Tuesday’ Promoter) and tough defender Roberto, the two have a real tight knit bond both on and off the pitch with the duo always having each other’s backs. That’s something their father Frank, a well known footballer in his own right in the Inner West had instilled in his two boys growing up.

“My brother Robbie is certainly a character (cough; clown!).

“He loves friendly banter and once the birth of his amazing little girl Liliana arrived, he has taken his Instagram account to new heights, posting her dancing to different song lyrics.

“He is famous for his Taco Tuesday posts as many of you may know already, so check his page out @robbiesperanza.”