Get to know the staff behind the scenes in our new segment, The Backroom.
Whether he has been waiting ready on the sidelines to give the team assistance or at a local school helping in football clinics, Anthony Siciliano has become a recognisable face since the Wanderers inception.
It was a simple family moment that spawned the start of Anthony’s interest in pursuing a career as a masseuse in the sporting industry as his older brother was a professional footballer who always came home sore and was continually asking for treatment.
Being the younger one, Anthony always obliged and before he knew it came to the realisation that he enjoyed the work and went on to pursue it as a serious career.
Since that moment in time, the Western Sydney native has made himself a reputable name in both the football and rugby league world.
He spent four years at Sydney FC before going on to Sydney United and Central Coast Mariners while he still services Gold Coast Titans, North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders whenever they are in Sydney.
Not only has he worked with large domestic clubs but he was also enlisted to work with Manchester United when they were in town for the Foxtel All Stars match in 2013 as well as being part of the Joeys and Socceroos set-up.
It was during his time at the Mariners that Anthony received a call from Western Sydney.
“I got a call and they asked me whether I wanted to come to a club that was newly formed and didn’t even have a name yet,” explained Siciliano.
“All I knew is that it was going to be in Western Sydney, which is my home, so I couldn’t say no! I was even studying to be a physio at the time but put that on hold so I could join my hometown club.
“Being born in Western Sydney and raised in Wetherill Park, I grew a love for football at a very young age. I followed and supported Marconi Stallions.
“I was one of those people prior to the Wanderers creation crying for a team to bring the region together.
“Being from Western Sydney, I understand the passion and love for football”
Anthony joined the Wanderers in their inaugural year and has shared in all of the Club’s monumental occasions including the Premiership win, two grand finals and of course, his favourite moment.
“The boys worked really hard to win the Champions League and to be a part of that journey with them was an amazing experience.”
The sporting industry is by far the most enjoyable to work in according to Anthony and he couldn’t imagine working in anything else.
“If your passion lies in sport and especially football, I would suggest for all young people thinking about this career path to go for it and try your luck.
“Unfortunately though there are not a lot of teams in the A-League but don’t be scared as hard work will get you there.
“I had to work very hard to get where I am today and all the opportunities that have been given to me. I even had to do volunteer work but it proves that it’s possible if you’re prepared to follow your passion.”
More recently, Anthony has taken a dual-role at the Wanderers joining the community department during the off-season.
The experience has been rewarding as he enjoys meeting new people and seeing the smiles on young children’s faces when the Wanderers hold their clinics, especially when a player makes a visit.
“I have been doing a lot of Wanderers Schools Cups, we hold them for all our seven associations in Western Sydney.
“We’ve also held clinics – holiday, weekly and pre-school clinics and we also get to work with the University of Western Sydney to set up new courses and encourage people to study.”
The best part of this side of Anthony’s role has been getting to work with the diverse cultures that make Western Sydney what it is and encouraging the next generation to get involved with football and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you want to yell out to Anthony from the sideline there is still time to renew your Membership by clicking here . If you are interested in finding out more about Wanderers clinics you can click here .
