We are back for 2026! In the season premiere of the Perth Azzurri Podcast, host Blayne Treadgold sits down with Club President Jason Marocchi to discuss what feels like a genuine rebirth for the club. From the return of the iconic Azzurri name on the sky-blue shirts to the massive multi-million dollar facility upgrades at Forest Park, Jason breaks down the off-field wins and the on-field expectations for our Men's, Women's, and Junior squads. We also talk about bringing the noise back to the terraces and why "Grinta" (the Italian grind) is the ultimate core value of this football club. Then, we wind back the clock exactly ten years. Former club captain Jordan De Leo joins the show ahead of the massive 2016 Championship Reunion. Jordan shares the inside story of that unforgettable, underdog squad that claimed the League and Top 4 Cup double. We talk about overcoming a mid-season coaching change, the frantic final-day trophy dash up the freeway, and why the boys are swapping 3 AM finishes at the Paramount for a civilised round of golf these days. Key Topics: The Azzurri Rebirth: Jason Marocchi on the return of the Azzurri badge, booming corporate support, and what Friday nights at the club will look like alongside the Italian Club. Facility Upgrades: The latest on the $1.5M Forest Park upgrades, Beatty Park change rooms, and Birdwood Square lighting. On the Pitch: The Men's squad hunting for three points after a tough loss to Olympic Kingsway, the Women's side looking to go back-to-back, and the Juniors heading off to Italy and Dubai. Bringing the Noise: Why the club wants the passionate, working-class support back on the sidelines, and big plans for the upcoming Ferrari Cup Day against Balcatta. The 2016 Reunion: Jordan De Leo takes us inside the dressing room of the 2016 double-winning side. Underdog Mentality: How a young squad of local juniors (mixed with a veteran spine of Clark Keltie, Francis Soale, and Gustavo Catarcione) defied the odds after Gareth Naven departed for Melbourne Victory. Where Are They Now?: Catching up on the 2016 legends ahead of their Friday night reunion at the club. Keywords: Perth Azzurri, NPL WA, Jason Marocchi, Jordan De Leo, WA Football, Football West, Forest Park redevelopment, 2016 NPL Champions, Perth Soccer, Local Sports WA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
