Football fans are gearing up for an exciting season as Viva Leichhardt launches “La Via del Calcio,” a vibrant new promotion celebrating the beautiful game, its rich culture, and deep Italian heritage in Sydney’s Inner West.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Local football powerhouse APIA Leichhardt FC is preparing to compete in Australia’s newly established national second-tier competition, bringing high-level football action straight to local grounds. At the same time, Europe’s premier leagues — including Italy’s iconic Serie A and the English Premier League — are just weeks away from kickoff, fueling the city’s football fever.
La Via del Calcio promises an authentic matchday experience from start to finish. Mornings kick off at Bar Sport, where supporters can sip a traditional macchiato while catching live broadcasts of international fixtures.
Afterwards, fans can visit ItaSport Activewear to gear up with the latest club and national team merchandise. The day reaches its peak as crowds gather at Lambert Park or Leichhardt Oval to cheer on APIA as they launch their national campaign.
Football’s roots in Leichhardt run deep. Italian migrants arriving in the mid-20th century brought with them a passion for “calcio” that shaped the suburb’s identity.
Clubs like APIA, founded in 1954, became not only sporting icons but also cultural meeting points, where the community could celebrate victories and share stories from the old country.
Lambert Park itself has hosted countless memorable matches, from fierce local derbies to visits by international teams, cementing Leichhardt as Sydney’s beating heart of Italian football.
