Young Carlo Alberto Acciai, a passionate supporter of APIA Leichhardt FC, experienced an unforgettable moment on his tenth birthday after APIA’s match against Sydney United.
Carlo, who celebrated his birthday at the stadium watching the match, was surprised at the end of the game with a very special gift: an APIA jersey with the number 14 and his surname on the back - handed to him personally by Jack Stewart, his favourite player.
Despite defeat to Sydney United, for APIA, the real triumph was definitely one of the heart.
It was a surprise organised by the club’s board, APIA sponsor Felice Montrone and club captain Adrian Ucchino along with the entire APIA staff who worked together to make this gesture possible.
The highlight for Carlo and his friends, who flocked to the stadium to combine the birthday celebration with their love of local football, came after the final whistle when the APIA players joined the birthday boy for a group photo, capturing a memory that will no doubt remain etched in his memory.
Andrea Acciai, Carlo’s father, expressed his gratitude to all those who helped organise this surprise for his son.
“This gesture of great humanity shows how, sometimes, real victories happen outside the playing field,” said Andrea.
“[It also shows] how sports can be a vehicle of joy and solidarity, especially toward the youngest.”
