Phone Call that Changed Roxby Downs Sporting Landscape
Tony D’Arrigo understands making dreams come true takes hard work, perseverance and passion.
It’s no surprise then that the President of the Roxby Downs Junior Soccer Club is affectionately known as the ‘Godfather of Local Soccer’.
The modest Italian-born soccer fanatic lives, breathes and eats the world game, so, bringing it to Roxby Downs seemed a natural thing to do.
Now aspiring local “Socceroo’s and Matilda’s” are provided with professional pathways; with promising local junior soccer players being considered by state team selectors.
“It’s about the kids and for the kids,” Tony says.
“When we first started some of the kids couldn’t kick. The players are developing new skills and improving all the time.
“And, the support from parents, Roxby Downs Council, the community and the Football Federation of South Australia (FFSA) is incredible.”
President of the Roxby Downs Junior Soccer Club, Tony D’Arrigo.
FFSA Development Manager John Mundy recalls the unexpected phone call from Tony that changed the sporting landscape of Roxby Downs.
“Tony’s passion and ethos for the game were evident,” Mundy says.
“His enthusiasm for wanting to learn, teach and grow the game in Roxby was impressive.
“My advice was to go slowly and gradually build a soccer culture in Roxby.
“Now, thanks to Tony, there’s been a steady growth of junior player numbers over the past three years.”
Tony has taken local soccer from a few kids kicking a ball around on Sunday mornings to over eighty registered players.
Strikers Mikey D’Arrigo and the Dragon’s Darrel Soka go a little one on one.
Last year he filled his dream of taking a Roxby Downs junior football team to compete at the South Australian Junior Soccer Associations Country Championships.
And this year, Roxby was invited to field a team to play during the half time break of the A-League semi-final clash between Adelaide United and Melbourne City.
Tony’s irresistible zeal was also critical in fostering support in bringing the National Premier League Regional Round games to the otherwise Aussie Rules-obsessed town.
A Roxby Downs Council spokesperson says supporting the FFSA’s Regional Match in conjunction with BHP Billiton has impacted positively on the local community with economic benefits for local businesses and community groups.
No matter, win, lose or draw, the ” Godfather of Local Soccer” says Roxby’s introduction to the game is a win-win for the community and most importantly a huge win for the kids of Roxby Downs.
Article written by Jack McGuire
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