MORE THAN LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CHAIR JUSTJUST A UUNION!NION! Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen:

As President and Chair of the Azzurri Soccer Club we wish to extend a warm welcome to our third annual Toronto Azzurri Wall of Fame Induction Gala.

Last year I reported that we would continue to expand our community programs and indeed we have.

Thanks to our tireless friend and partner, retired Sgt. Steven Hicks, we now include special needs children in our activities.

We are also happy to report that Mr. Ron Smale joined the Azzurri family soon after completing his presidency of The Soccer Association last October.

Given his extensive navigational experience in the soccer world Mr. Smale has taken over the Under 17 International Cup file with promises to bring it to a higher level than the already successful previous two years. Stay tuned and save the date! (July 3rd to July 14th).

As our Club continues along its philanthropic and benevolent journey we are reminded of the fact that we are here today thanks to those who paved the way for us. Indeed, one cannot successfully proceed along a chosen path without remembering where he came from. The LiUNA Families are proud to be part This evening we want to honor nine special individuals who have contributed significantly to the creation and formative years of the T.A.S.C. as well as to the evolution of the game of soccer, both nationally and internationally.

of the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club and Thank you, Gentlemen! We are indeed proud and privileged to count you as friends of the Azzurri.

Tonight’s event would not be possible without your presence nor without the generosity of many other individuals the Azzurri LiUNA Clubhouse. and corporations. Thank you. Congratulations to the Inductees into the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Wall of Fame. Robert Iarusci, Chairman Ralph Ciccia, President Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club Est. 1968 Est. 1968

2 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 3 TORONTO AZZURRI ‘FORKICKS’ AND ARTS

In 1999, thirty one years after the Club’s genesis, the NEW Toronto Azzurri was reborn. A core group of over fifty(50) friends who had created a tight bond through soccer came together again to create a vision to build a Soccer Center of Excellence. We formed a Club Motto...... WE TEACH SOCCER AND BUILD CHARACTER. On a spring evening in 2003 we met SGT. Steve Hicks of Toronto Police Services 31 Division. Steve through his own program called “FOR KICKS’ introduced us to all the great work he was doing with the help of his Community Partners aimed at improving the lives of “AT RISK” youth. The Toronto Azzurri SC jumped on board and on April 29th , 2014 upon the opening of our NEW 6,000 sq. ft. Azzurri LIUNA Community Clubhouse located at 1 Carmen Principato Way at the Toronto Azzurri Youth Sport Village, it was announced that we would had evolved our vision to operate a Community Center of Excellence. We realized our benevolent purpose needed to reach far beyond just the game of soccer. We announced together, TORONTO AZZURRI FORKICKS AND ARTS would be running and sustaining sport, educational and cultural programming for our Community youth with special focus on “AT RISK” children. Here are some of the programs we are and have executed: 1) Summer Soccer Development League for boys and girls (ages 4-15yrs)..approx 500. 2) TDSB Youth’Learn to Skate’ and ‘Hockey Programs’ - A ‘For Kicks’ original program that reaches out to the community at Grandravine and York U rinks twice a year to teach how to skate Hockey celebrities also participate. 3) Regent Park School of Music(RPSM)- With Forkicks, they expand their community programming to the Jane/Finch Community and run choir and instrumental classes at Monsenior Fraser Vocational School. 4) Lecture Series- We will be addressing issues such as concussion protocol, child exploration, etc. 5) Special Needs Soccer- ( a Forkicks Origional ) We are pleased to announce the launch in June of a Soccer League featuring our Community Special Needs participants. 6) FloorBall League - April 2019 Launch. Four our special needs and at risk children and young adults. 7) Flag Football - Fall 2019 Launch Four our special needs and at risk children and young adults. 8) OurKAMP is a Community imitative between TimHortons owner, forKICKS and TASC to run local Kamps at Village and trips to KAMP in Tweed for youth, teachers, parents, coaches, survivors.

4 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 5 PREVIOUS INDUCTEES HONOURED TORONTO AZZURRI S.C. BOARD MEMBERS

IN TORONTO AZZURRI SOCCER WALL OF FAME Ralph Ciccia Joe Mancuso President Facility Manager/Membership BUILDERS/PIONEERS COACHES/MANAGERS Robert Iarusci Vince Iarusci Sam Ciccolini. 2017 Carlo Delmonte. 2017 Chariman Marketing/IT Director Johnny Lombardi. 2017 Gus Mandarino. 2017 Gino Ventresca. 2017 Aldo Principe. 2017 Orazio DeCiantis Pasquale Pietrantonio Ted Laraia. 2018 Fiorigi Pagliuso. 2018 Vice President Director at Large Mario Di Bartolomeo. 2018 Hector Marinaro Sr. 2018 Judge Joseph J. Piccininni 2018 Domenic Matera. 2018 Ron Smale Frank Iaizzo Orazio De Ciantis. 2018 Treasurer Director at Large

Fortunato Febbraro PLAYERS MEDIA Secretary Robert Iarusci. 2017 Tino Baxa. 2017 Tony Lecce. 2017 Paolo Canciani. 2017 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME Pasquale Pietrantonio. 2017 Nicola Sparano. 2017 Giorgio Piotti. 2018 SELECTION COMMITTEE . 2018 Orazio DeCiantis Carlo DelMonte

SPECIAL TORONTO AZZURRI 50TH Tony Cipriani Robert Iarusci

ANNIVERSRY RECOGNITION AWARD Paolo DeCiantis Fortunato Febbraro Carmen & Bruno DeNino. 2018 6 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 7 BASIL POLICARO BUILDERS/PIONEERS Basil’s career is a storied one; a tale of two great passions...soccer and cars. Owner and board member of Policaro Group that celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. Basil was also the President and co-owner of the Rockets of the Canadian Professional League(CPL) from 1985-1991. Along with Gus Mandarino, Joe D’Urso, Tony Ciamarra and Joe Volpentesta, Basil launched pro soccer in the GTA playing out of in North York.

Basil’s passion for the game of soccer was enabled Basil took immense pride in his efforts to develop by his successes in the Auto Industry. Basil arrived in great local players such as Peter Sarantopolis, Paul Toronto to join his Family when he was 21 years old. He D’Agostino, Eddy Berdusco, Charlie Falzon, John Nunes started working in an Auto repair shop delivering parts. and Peter Sloly(ex Toronto Deputy Chief). Basil quickly made a positive impact on the local Honda Today, Basil, Tony and Paul own and constitute the dealer that led to a Sales Position. Board of Directors for Policaro Group with Basil’s son Basil’s strong desire to succeed drove him to put up Francesco fulfilling the role of CEO. The Policaro Group impressive sales numbers and it didn’t take long for him owns and operates 8 Car Dealerships, employs close to to become top performer. Over time, Basil was able to 600 people and continues to uphold Basil’s early beliefs CITY 1940 Albion Rd. introduce his two brothers Tony and Paul to the Honda that hard work, honesty and customer experience are at , Ontario M9W 5T2 Sales Team. The rest is history. It was the strength of his the heart of their business. ENVIRONMENTAL Family that propelled Basil to invest all he had into his first Honda Dealership located in in 1979. SERVICES LTD. Tel: 416.679.2489 (CITY) Toll Free: 888.520.2489 (CITY) With this initial success in business, Basil was able to find Fax: 416.679.2490 time to establish and manage Sattelite Honda Soccer Club which eventually became the Inter Brampton Soccer www.cityenvironmental.ca Club. With Help from his good friend Joe D’urso, Basil’s team won 3 Consul Cups and 2 league championships. Basil can take a lot of credit in assisting to develop some Ray Lecce Cell: 416.881.0723 great local players. Many of them went on to professional careers and also to represent Canada.

8 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 9 TORONTOTORONTO AZZURRI AZZURRI CongratulationsCongratulations to to all all of of the the newnew inductees inductees to to the the Wall Wall of of FameFame from from everyone everyone at at FalcoFalco Steel Steel Fabricators Fabricators Inc. Inc.

JOE D’URSO BUILDERS/PIONEERS Joe arrived in Toronto in 1967 from Vibo Valentia in Calabria as a wide eyed youth of 16 years old sponsored by his uncle. Joe understood success in Canada was directly linked to hard work. Joe leveraged his strong work ethic with his passion for youth soccer players and their development.

FALCOFALCO STEEL STEEL FABRICATORS FABRICATORS INC. INC. He started to work at Canadian Tire in the Auto Shop. Esther Shiner Stadium with Fausto DiBernardino as GM. 323323 DEERHURST DEERHURST DRIVE, DRIVE, BRAMPTON BRAMPTON ON ON L6T L6T 5K3 5K3 Over time he became a skillful welder and began forging Joe took over Basil’s shares of the Rockets in 1989 and TEL. (905) 799-9000 - WWW.FALCOSTEEL.COM his own company by buying the equipment needed. He became President of the club. That year, Joe brought TEL. (905) 799-9000 - WWW.FALCOSTEEL.COM bought a parcel of land in Brampton and erected a new over 3 seasoned Italian professionals... Marco Nicoletti, building focusing on the manufacturing of structured steel. Massimo Briaschi, and Enrico Todesco. In 1991, Joe sold his shares to the new owner Tony Fontana. By the late ‘70’s Joe became best friends with Joseph Policaro, Basil’s oldest brother, and then with Basil began Joe continued to support local soccer throughout the supporting and sponsoring #7 Honda Soccer team that ‘80s and ‘90’s together with Adam Pagliaroli and the played in the Amicizia Soccer League. In the early ‘80’s Toronto Jets which included a trip back to Cosenza, Basil and Joe had assembled a strong Satellite Honda Calabria and successes vs two local teams, Rendi and Congratulations to all of the new inductees team that played in the T&D Premier Division featuring Castro Libero. players like Steve Nichol, John Nunes, Robert Romolo and coached by Peter Felicetti. Satellite Honda won four to the Toronto Azzurri Wall of Fame league titles and three Consul Cups. In 1985, Joe remembers a limo showing up in front TERRICO VENTURE INVESTMENTS INC. of his home with Basil Policaro and Tony Ciamarra to 445 EDGELEY BLVD. UNIT #2, CONCORD, ON | 905.660.0849 attend the inaugural launch of the new Professional Team that they all shared ownership of (including Gus Mandarino) called The in the (CSL). The Team played out of Frank and Teresa Dodaro

10 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 11 ALBERTO DEROSA COACHES/MANAGERS Alberto DeRosa was one of Toronto’s most respected and beloved coaches. He describes himself as disciplined but fair. Alberto loved to develop young soccer players through the 50’s and into the following three decades.

he coached the cream of local soccer...Adam and In 1969, Alberto led the powerful ACW team to two Tony Lecce, T. Cipriani, M. Pretotto, Bruno Bertolin, F. Intercity League Titles. That year, Alberto also directed Pagliuso, G. Falcone, F. Soppelsa, M. Storto, M. LaRaia, and coached Toronto Crotia ( NSL) and he even G. Mattachione, C. Delmonte, R. Morandini, Ennio Del found time to coach a talented Team Gallo, Arrigo Rossi, Carlo Parolin, Emilio Dodato, Egidio which included players such as Richard Morandini. In Papais and Sam Saccoccia. 1973, Alberto coached Calabria with Gus Mandarino. Throughout the 70’s & 80’s Alberto continued to impart Albert arrived in Toronto by train via Halifax from Zoppola his soccer passion directing various local clubs which ( Pordenone-Friuli) in 1954 at the age of 23. The very next included Comar San Marco in the T & D. OF COMPANIES day he was introduced as Coach to his New Team, Italo- Canadians. The Friuli Football club with its origin dating He eventuallu returned to Club Friuli in the early 80’s back to the early 1930’s, eventually become Toronto managing Famee Furlane as sport Director WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL Italia in 1957. In 1959, Alberto looked after the Toronto Italia “Pulcini”.... OF THIS YEAR’S AZZURRI WALL OF the youth academy. By, 1962, he was the head coach of Italia “B” where he proudly showcased the class of FAME INDUCTIES Toronto’s talent. Alberto resigned at the end of 1962 when Toronto Italia ownership would not commit to his youth players to the senior team. Alberto coached a strong Club Abbruzzi in the National Soccer League (NSL) – 65/66 and contended for the league title. He then coached two teams in the Toronto and District (T & D) top division. ... Milan (67) & Italo Canadian Youth Club (68).

12 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 13 MARIO PERRUZZA COACHES/MANAGERS Mario Perruzza might have the longest coaching resume over the past 60 years in the GTA. Today, 65 years after he arrived to Toronto from Pescosolido (Frosinone) Italy and 60 years after he and his brother Domenico along with Doloro Ruffalo and Goffredo DiBona started Sora FC in 1958, Mario is still active in high performance soccer, managing for Woodbridge Soccer Club

Mario learned much about coaching and managing Mario fondly remember coaching Pasquale Fioccola’s players from his youth coach, Tullio Lombardi. Mario Toronto Jets team of ’75/’76. Again Mario’s strength in adopted many of Tullio’s training techniques and developing young players came through. Two more coaching strategies. league titles and another Ontario Cup for Perruzza’s Jets. Mario also coached the Ontario Team that won When asked to describe Mario Perruzza as a coach, Gold in the ’76 Canada Games. Players like Elvis former goalie/friend Orazio DeCiantis said,”Mario was a Thomas, Frank LoFranco, Muarizio Bevilacqua (Now fierce competitor...he wanted to win...and win he did.” Mayor) and star forward Branco Segota. Just with Sora FC, Mario captured 8 league titles, 4 Mario contiued to coach teams in the T&D top tiers in Ontario Cups, 6 Consol Cups and a Frentana Cup. the ’70’s &’80’s including Delia FC, Mario Volpentesta’s In 1969 along with Franco and Pasquale Cesario and Mimi Jeans and of course his beloved Sora FC. Aldo Lio, Mario helped found San Fili SC which became In 2010, the OSA honored Mario with their Meritorious one of the City’s strogest teams over the late 60’s and Award for life time service to soccer. Today at 80 years, into the ’70’s. In 1970/1, Mario coached the Westwood Mario will again be honored in the Toronto Azzurri Wall of Mio Majors, a collection of the best young players Fame. Mario is proud of his family. His wife Maria(married around including Pinninzotto, Scopa, Tropea, Gallipo in ’63)..daughters Franca,Claudia and Patricia and and Mancuso. Over the two years the Mio Majors won son Pasqualino. 2 league titles, 2 Metro Cups, a playoff Cup, and a . In 1973/74 Mario coached Italia B(U23) again featuring more local stars such as DeCiantis,Morandini, Coccuzoli, Pininzotto and Gallipo. The highlight of those years was the team’s victory over Shalke 04 from Germany which featured a young Sepp Maier (future German international star) in goal.

14 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 15 Your home away from home PAUL STALTERI PLAYERS One of Canada’s most decorated soccer players, Paul Stalteri represented Canada internationally 84 times starting at the age of 19. He was twice voted Male Soccer Player of the Year (2001 & 2004). Paul played on Canada’s Gold Cup Champions team in 2000 and has entered the Canadian National Soccer Hall of Fame...once as a member We are very proud of Paul Stalteri and his of the Gold Cup Team (2014) and then leading the class of 2017. International soccer achievements. Your home away from home Paul’s youth Soccer started when he was 9 years He went on to play for Fulham FC from Feb-June old as a member of the Malton Bullets coached by 2008 playing an important role in keeping the club Orazio DeCiantis. The Bullets were 5 time Ontario from relegation. | Experience 5500 Tomken Road, Unit #4, , ON L4W 2Z4 905.624.2533 Champions(1988,1991,1992,1993 &1995) and twice Paul returned to Germany and played three more years Canadian National Champions(1991 & 1995). In 1996 Affordable Luxury (2009-2011) with Boroussia Moenchengladbach. Here $75867('1$0(,15($/ Paul went to Clemson University in South Carolina wand Your home away from home are some impressive stats from Paul’s stellar soccer (67$7()2529(5<($56 that year he was recognized as ACC Rookie of the Year career in Europe... Voted on Bundesliga All Star team Stay and selectedMeet on the All FreshmanDine Team. In 1997 Paul in 2005. The EPL ranked Paul in 2005/06 season as the opted to sign with the of the Canadian 16th top defender. Paul logged 170 appearances in Professional League(CPL) and was quickly identified Germany’s Bundesliga and 55 appearances in the EPL, by a scout from Werner Bremen of the German Together with his 84 International Caps for Canada, Bundesliga. Paul played on the Bremen reserve team Paul played in over 300 professional matches. Paul is from 1997-2000. also a member of Brampton’s Sport Hall of Fame. ComeOn Aug. see 12, 2000,why Paul we made truly his debut are in the Bundesliga TM Your home away from home Yourwith Home Bremen Away and scored From in that Home match making. him the first Canadian do ever score in the Bundesliga.Good Experience things continued for Paul when Werder Bremen were CONNECT WITH US WORLDFORMULA CUP RUSSIA 1 2019 2018 Locations throughout Southern Ontario SPORTS DIMENSION Production crowned Bundesliga Champions and German Cup Affordable LuxurySPORTS DIMENSION Production 1-800-363-6400 | montecarloinns.com CONNECT WITH US $75867('1$0(,15($/ Vito Caressa 416-400-7202 winners in 2003/2004. (67$7()2529(5<($56 e-mail:[email protected] [email protected] Stay Meet Dine 2 In 2005, Paul decided3 to sign a four year deal with Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier league (EPL). Paul made 54 appearances with Tottenham scoring MOC096 Full Page Ad_FNL.indd 1 three goals. 2018-06-01 10:33 AM

16 Come see why we truly are TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 17 Your Home Away From Home TM.

CONNECT WITH US WORLDFORMULA CUP RUSSIA 1 2019 2018 Locations throughout Southern Ontario SPORTS DIMENSION Production SPORTS DIMENSION Production 1-800-363-6400 | montecarloinns.com CONNECT WITH US Vito Caressa 416-400-7202 e-mail:[email protected] [email protected] 2 3

MOC096 Full Page Ad_FNL.indd 1 2018-06-01 10:33 AM PAUL D’AGOSTINO PLAYERS Paul excelled as a high performance athlete in both soccer and basketball. He would admit his first love was basketball. Paul was a City of Toronto All Star in his senior year as he led his high school Oakwood Barons to multiple City Championships (‘70-’74). Paul went Congratulations Paul...From your childhood on to play Varsity CIAU Basketball with the York Yoemen (‘75&’76). roots with the Westwood Young Generation In 1977 under coach Eric Willis, Paul was on the York U Paul’s Pro career moved to the famed 1976 NASL Champs National Soccer Championship Team. Toronto Metros Croatia. Paul noted he learned the most Soccer Club to a fantastic Career as a pro about being a pro from coach Markovic. After a few Paul was born in Silvi Paese (Teramo) Abbruzzo and years with Toronto Italia (‘77&’79), Paul moved to Memphis when he was only 9 months old, he landed in his new for two years with the Rogues of the NASL. (‘78&’80). home Toronto with his parents and two older sisters to Paul was assigned the role of matching up defensively start a new life in Canada. Through hard work and the with the best players in the NASL… including George strength of family, the D’Agostino family set up roots on Best and Johan Cruyff. In 1980, the Canadian National Winona Dr. Just north of St.Clair. Paul started to play Coach Bob Bearpark invited Paul to the National Team soccer with Westwood Young Generation at the Robina camp and he played in the New Zealand Series. Paul YMCA...oddly enough only two streets over from his completed his pro Career in Calgary with the Boomers in home. Paul speaks fondly of playing soccer with the ‘81/’82 and returned to Toronto to play with PanHellenic Westwood Beavers(1970) with coach John Paolis and of the NSL. then in 1971 with Westwood Hawks(Joe Grande) along side his friends Carmine Marcantonio, Joe Pellegrino, Simultaneously while playing high level soccer, Paul Warren Green, Nick Plessas and Robert Iarusci. took his Bachelor of Education from York and began a teaching career in the Dufferin Peel District. Paul met Paul was a smart athlete. He understood quickly the Anna (also a teacher) and in 1988 they married. They importance of good communication and defending both both became Principals and today they are retired and individually and as a team. He became a defensive proud of their two children Nicholas and Milena. specialist locking onto the opponent’s best players and shutting them down. Paul was the starting fullback on the famed Toronto Italia Teams from 1973-1975. Under coach Pagliuso, Paul was a mainstay fullback on Italia’s back to back Canadian Club Championships (‘74/’75).

18 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 19 MORE THAN JUST A UNION! ALF DE BLASIS

Working Hard for MEDIA Working Families “A polished and professional broadcaster...Very prepared EXECUTIVE BOARD CARMEN PRINCIPATO TONY DO VALE ROLY BERNARDINI LUIS PIMENTEL NICK REPOLE PETER GLAZE JACK EUSTAQUIO exudes Credibility and Respect”. Strong praise from Alf’s BUSINESS MANAGER SECRETARY-TREASURER PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT RECORDING-SECRETARY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER journalist/broadcasting mentor Paolo Canciani. Alf was born in Sora (Fr) Italy and arrived in Toronto with his family when he was SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL LEGAL COUNSEL REGIONAL ORGANIZING CO-ORDINATOR OFFICE MANAGER DISPATCHER COMPLIANCE CONTROL OFFICER MICHAEL HANCOCK ALEXIS MANTELLO-CLEMENT ELIO TOPPAN ISABELLA COSTANZO HARDY JALLOH RENATO TAGLIONE 3 years old.

BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES SUPPORT STAFF Throughout the late 60’s and 70’s Alf was introduced (98) World Cups. Alf’s highlight as a Journalist and MIKE BETTENCOURT, MAMADOU BAH, JOE INACIO SAVERIO REPOLE, PAULA CARDOSO, MARY MAURO, PATRICIA LUM, MONIQUE SERINO VICKY HILL, FABRIZZIO MASSARI, JOE FURTADO, JOHN WALKER NATALIY KRASKOVSKY, CHRISTINA COLELLA DE PAOLA, SARAH AH LIM, MISHEL BIRFIR to local soccer via his father Giuseppe, a lifelong AS Broadcaster was when he covered the Gold Cup in ORGANIZERS CARLO RICCI , TONY CASBARRO, PIERRE PRIMERANO, Roma fan. Alf and Giuseppe took in many Toronto Italian 2000 as a freelancer for Sportsnet and was with Team BRANDEN LEWIS, MATIAS MARROCCHI, ROMAN ROZMUS games (NSL), T & D games (Sora, Ciociaro FC) and Canada throughout the Tournament culminating with 3750 Chesswood Drive, Toronto, ON M3J 2W6 • Tel: 416.638.0506 • Fax: 416.638.1334 • Website: www.local506.ca NASL ( Metros- Croatia) at . Canada beating Columbia 2-0 in the final in Los Angeles California. Alf played competitive soccer (T & D level) until he was 22 years old. He had a stronger passion for journalism. Alf joined Telelatino (TLN) in 2002 starting as a Promotions Throughout his high school years (Sir John A Mcdonald) Manager developing Promo messages and then at and Ryerson, Alf worked with for station. When TLN acquired the broadcasting rights the local campus publications and covered various sports for Serie “A” soccer that year, Alf produced and hosted including Soccer. At Ryerson, Alf hosted a sport news the show weekly at TLN. Alf covered the 2004 Euro, show on CKLN Radio. Simultaneously Alf also worked the 2002 WC from Japan/S.Korea and the 2010 WC at the local Community Cable Station in Scarborough from South Africa. At home he covered the commercial learning the production side of the business. Production end of the business working with the TLN In 1984, Alf moved through 3 jobs, first at CIAO Radio Sales force. in Brampton with Angelo Cremisio, as an intern at TV Corriere Canadese has Alf moved on to Ethnic Channels Group (ECG) in 2014 Ontario and then thanks to his mentor Paolo Canciani, creating Original Productions for BEIN Sports in the with Channel 47 CFMT (now known as Omni). Alf’s been a leader in supporting local soccer Canadian Market. With John DeBenedictis , Alf worked participation at CFMT grew as he hosted the World on Member Correspondence and coordinating coaching Soccer Report every Saturday afternoon featuring in Toronto for over 60 years. courses and Clinics for the National Soccer Coaches English/Scottish and La Liga highlights. He contributed Association of Canada. He most recently has also found to the production of Paolo’s “Domenica Diretta” as well time to be the Communications Director for the New featuring Serie A . Professional Arena franchise, Mississauga Metro Stars Throughout the 90’s Alf De Blassis was the voice of of the MASL. 20 Sports at CFMT. He covered the U.S. (94) and French TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 21 TONY CIPRIANI Jack Oliveira | Business Manager TORONTO AZZURRI LIFETIME Luis Camara Nelson Melo Secretary Treasurer President ACHIEVMENT Bernardino Ferreira Marcello Di Giovanni Considered one of the most skillfull and gracefull winger/ strikers Vice-President Recording Secretary ever to play on the local Toronto fields over four decades. Tony Jaime Cortez Patrick Sheridan was also noted as a prolific scorer...game-winning sniper. E-Board Member E-Board Member

Tony was born in a small town, Collarmele, in the province Tony also coached top youth teams via Alberto - KINGSTON - TORONTO - COBOURG - CAMBRIDGE of Aquila April 21, 1948. The Cipriani family arrived in DiGiovanni’s Centro Scuola Program. Tony is a proud @liuna183 Toronto on Christmas Eve, 1956. At the age of 10, Tony founding father of the New Toronto Azzurri Soccer www.liuna183.ca started to play soccer for Davenport Public School. Club reborn in 1999. He has been a Board Member of the club 18 out of the 20 years primarily holding the From 1961-63, under coach Alberto DeRosa, Tony Treasurer’s directorship. played in the Toronto Italia Youth Organization with the “Pulcini”. Tony progressed very quickly as an impact Tony was a strong contributor to the Toronto Azzurri SC‘s player and in 1969 played with Toronto Italia “B” under long term vision “to teach soccer and build character.” Fiorigi Pagliuso in the tough National Soccer League From 2000 to 2005 he was Houseleague Manager (NSL). The following year, Tony travelled regularly up along with son Michael and daughter Melissa taking Highway 400 and led Sudbury Italia in winning the NSL registration numbers over 600 children. League title. Tony and his wonderful wife Nancy have raised 4 beautiful Tony was reunited with Coach De Rosa with ACW in the children and now enjoy 11 and counting grandchildren. Premier Division of the Toronto and District League and in 1971/72 won the League. Unfortunately, ACW lost to Toronto Azzurri in the Targa del Correire Challenge Cup when friend but rival Pasquale Pietrantonio scored 5 straight penalties. Throughout the 70’s Tony played with SORA FC and in 1982 he finally joined Toronto Azzurri where he became a dedicated player and club leader for the next 35 years.

22 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 23 Learn more at www.icsavings.ca

LUCKY RASO TORONTO AZZURRI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Lucky Raso built a reputation on the soccer grounds of Toronto during the “60”s & 70’s as a goal scoring sniper. On each of the teams he played for he was top goal getter.

Lucky and his brother arrived in Toronto January 18, Hector Marinaro and Luis Dabo scoring 11 goals while 1961, to join their father. Lucky had two strong passions... seeing only part time duty because of the number of he excelled in the grocery business to eventually own foreign players on the roster. his own store “Lucky’s No Frills” and soccer...driven by PERSONAL BANKING | BUSINESS BANKING | DEPOSIT INSURANCE* | ONLINE & MOBILE BANKING In 1974 Lucky fondly recalls playing under Eddy Zilli a strong obsession for Juventus FC. Unfortunately, for EURO ACCOUNTS & FOREIGN EXCHANGE | WEALTH MANAGEMENT and the Westwood Mio Majors teaming up with Paul Lucky, his father was not a soccer fan and Lucky has D’Agostino, Luciano Perfetti, Enzo De Pede, Warren described many an uncomfortable moment when his Green and Gino Schiraldi. father disciplined him so Lucky would stop playing ....of course Lucky would not be denied. In 1977 until 1997, Lucky Raso invited and sustained For what you want in life. the core players from the Toronto Azzurri Youth Starting in 1963 when he started playing with Catanzaro group together when he organized a weekly two hour (3rd Div T&D) Lucky fondly remembers the next 5 years Bank, borrow and invest with us. soccer challenge match at the newly erected Lamport (64-68) when he played with Toronto Silana winning the Stadium....the same group that would start up the New League each year allowing Silana to eventually reach We always do what’s in the best interest of the Members of our credit union. Toronto Azzurri SC in 1999. the Premier division (T&D.) Lucky played along side We’re ready to do the same for you. Mario Barone, Ken Cancellara, Emanuele Diodati, Sam Lucky is blessed with a loving family...wife Bruna, www.icsavings.ca and Rocco Lotito...all lifelong friends today. daughters Tressa and husband Marco, Bianca and husband Steven and son David and wife Sandy. He In 1969, Lucky joined Toronto Italia with Tony Lecce, is especially proud of his wonderful grandchildren, Carmine Carella, Alfredo Maggiacomo, Bruno Bertolin Matthew, Victoria, Alexander and Jacob. La Nostra Banca and Canadian National Team Player Sergio De Luca. The following years (70/71) Lucky was leading scorer Toronto Azzurri would have not achieved what it has ITALIAN CANADIAN SAVINGS & CREDIT UNION LIMITED for legendary San Fili in the T & D Premier winning the today without Lucky. * Learn more about deposit insurance by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario at www.dico.com. Ontario Cup. He returned to Toronto Italia in 72/73 under

24 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 25 • Airline Packages • Hotels 416.742.6021 • Cruises • Holy Land Tour 905.264.9992 • Travel Insurance Packages www.gareritravel.com • Car Rental/Insurance • Last Minute Deals fl [email protected]

Proud Supporters of the AACI, MRICS Third Annual Toronto Azzurri DINO BOTTERO, Professional Land Economist Wall Of Fame We would like to congratulate all of the new inductees of the Toronto Azzurri Wall of Fame

4300 Steeles Avenue West, Unit #32, Vaughan, Ontario L4L 4C2 905-660-9288 www.dbottero.com

26 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 27 PROUD SPONSOR OF THE TORONTO AZZURRI SOCCER CLUB

Inspired Lake House Living on the Shores of Bowmanville

We would like to congratulate this years inductees into the Toronto Azzurri

Towns, Links, Semi’s, Detached & third annual Wall of Fame Exclusive Waterfront Collection.

MyLakeBreeze.ca | T: 647-302 -2490 | [email protected]

For More Great Communities Visit KaitlinCorp.com Prices and speci cations are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are artist’s concepts. Some homes linked below grade. See Sales Representative for details. E, & O.E.

28 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 29 We are proud to support the third annual Toronto Azzurri Wall of Fame

4160 Sladeview Crescent, Mississauga Ontario, L5L 0A1 Toll Free: 1.866.644.6144 • Toronto: 416.504.4743 • Local: 905.813.2188 • Fax: 905.813.2190 www.courier.gologistics.net

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THIS YEAR’S TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

30 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 31 32 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 33 F O R T H E

Vin Bon would like to congratulate all of this year’s Toronto azzurri wall CITY of fame inductees T I C K E T S AT TORONTOFC.CA

34 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 35 We would like to congratulate all of the new inductees of the third Toronto Azzurri Wall Of Fame

36 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 37 From The Cristina Ciccolini Fund Building character, one soccer ball at a time

Congratulations to All Inductees

Can a soccer ball build self-esteem and character? We certainly think so. Best wishes from We are proud to support the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club as it works to help at-risk Sam, Donna, Michael, Rita Eric youth lead happier and healthier lives. Cristina & Jacqueline Ciccolini www.icsavings.ca

38 TORONTO AZZURRI WALL OF FAME 39