A band of brothers is steering Strathfield FC’s ascension to Football Canterbury’s foremost male league.
Words by Liam Cook
Leading the Bill Brackenbury Cup rookies is captain, Anthony Costa, and his younger siblings, Robert and Daniel.
Strathfield’s skipper traces the inception of his team back to the central role the beautiful game played in his family lineage.
Carrying deep foundations in the local community, the Italian family are inextricably linked to football.
“My grandparents immigrated in the 1950s, so that was something they brought over with them as part of their culture, that love for football.
“My Dad and my Nonno used to follow APIA back in the National Soccer League days: my uncle used to do the Italian commentary for APIA because that was the team with Italian roots and it was an easy choice for them to support.”
Anthony’s father maintained this passion with his four boys, three of whom currently play together for Strathfield.
With his father his biggest footballing influence, Anthony’s style of play draws heavily on the tussles between he and his brothers in the backyard, eagerly supervised by dad.
“In the backyard he always pushed us to attack, drive to goal and take our chances which is definitely reflected in my game style: maybe to my teammates’ frustration.
“They might want me to relax on the ball but when I get that opportunity in front of goal with time and space I usually just go for it, thanks to my dad.”
While the inseparable family bond made for fiery backyard encounters, building a full squad relied heavily upon the community and school connections fostered by the boys.
“A lot of us boys played together from under sevens together and when we went to under 18s we needed a bigger squad, and knowing a few of the lads from Christian Brothers’ Lewisham we combined the two teams.”
That team now represents Strathfield FC, a club whose values align heavily with the priorities of Anthony and his teammates.
Football is never not being played on the two all-weather pitches, but it is not simply watching the game that draws the captain to his club on weeknights and weekends.
“Strathfield Park is always pumping with a lively atmosphere, whether it be the football or the families cooking on the barbeque.
“We love getting down early and watching the game before and even hanging around for some games after. It’s about enjoying the football and being around people.”
The oldest Costa in the team, Anthony is grateful to be playing alongside his siblings, especially on behalf of his parents.
As juniors, all four boys played for separate clubs, aggressively expanding the chauffeuring responsibilities of his mother and father.
Now settled at one venue, the Costa brothers are happy to put on a largely collaborative, if not intense, show in front of their family.
“On gameday we go hard on each other but we know it’s coming from a good place and we know how to get the best out of each other.
“We have chemistry on the field, they play at fullback and I’m anywhere along the front line. We have our cues when they’re ready to cross the ball or whether I need to come forward or go far post.”
It is this synergy that has bound the Costa family together through their passion for football, and now unites a whole team of young men.
Nothing short of Bill Brackenbury Cup silverware will satisfy Strathfield, and getting there will doubtless depend on this brilliant brotherly bond.
Strathfield FC opened their season with a 6-1 victory over Marrickville Red Devils. They continue their quest for silverware when they travel to Lambert Park on Saturday 15 April to take on APIA Leichhardt JFC.
