Fan of the Week – Councillor Steven Issa
This week Parramatta Deputy Lord Mayor Steven Issa is our Fan of the Week. When he is not performing his duties for Parramatta City Council, he can be found supporting the Western Sydney Wanderers. On and off the field, Steven has been a great supporter of the Wanderers and looks forward to another season as the club’s popularity continues to grow throughout Western Sydney and beyond.
1. What was your first footballing memory?
That would have to be heading out on a Tuesday night to watch Dad and his brothers play indoor soccer. It was 5 a side, and the team was Dad, his two brothers and a few relatives. This would be keenly followed by a Saturday down at Guildford Park to watch my uncles play in the Granville District over 35s… all the cousins would come out, it would be a weekly extended family gathering.
2. What is your favourite footballing memory?
Probably my under 12s Grand Final with Melita. We went through the year as minor premiers, and had a few key rivalries and a pretty solid team. The team went to the Grand Final of NSW Champion of Champions. I didn’t get much game time that year, including the Grand Final. We were locked at nil all with about 5 minutes to spare in the second half of extra of time. In those days you could lose a game by corners, we were down by 4 corners and all hope was lost. At that point, I got the call up. I was on for five minutes as it was only fair I got a run. That was the best five minutes of football I’ve ever played – within 2 mins I scored the one and only goal. Not only did we win on the back of my goal, but it was my weaker left foot – the celebration was akin to a Marco Tardelli – Italy v West Germany, World Cup Final, 1982
3. Why the Western Sydney Wanderers?
I’d reverse it and say why not. Western Sydney is the home of football (regardless of what those in that state a little below us think). The Wanderers bring together the most passionate football fans in the country. Fans that were previously sworn enemies. Growing up with the NSL, never did I imagine United, Olympic, Marconi, and Melita fans joining one big family. Why the Wanderers? Because what they have achieved on the field was wonderful, but at the outset, before the premiership, what they have done transcends football, it is more about community and above all pride of place and people.
4. Favourite A-League Player?
I know I should say Shinji Ono, or even Mark Bridge – but I have a real soft spot for (Sydney FC attacker) Nick Carle. It probably stems from playing against him as kids and watching him dazzle back then.
5. If you could make ONE change to the A-League what would it be?
Tough – but if it were only one, I’d increase the salary cap. Keep the young guns here a little longer, and attract the bigger names from overseas.
6. How does the club improve on such a successful debut season?
Apart from winning the Grand Final, I don’t think their on-field successes can be improved. In terms of the broader club, I’d say maintaining the community involvement, in particular, attention should be paid to the fans. In my opinion, the club is as much about the football and boardroom as it is about the fans. I think that should be acknowledged more, and encouraged.
7. The crowd support was hailed as some of the best in the league, what do you think that means to the players?
I could only imagine. My wife and daughter normally come out on Saturdays to watch my team and I attempt to play park soccer and I get fairly pumped up. Having 20,000 family members come down, sing continuously and follow them to other states would be magical (I can’t even get my Mrs to come out to Castle Hill). I’d say you grow a little through the crowd, the encouragement they provide, the energy and passion would be something the guys would leverage. I think it means the world.
8. Did you expect the team to be so well supported in their first year?
I’ve been asked this question many times, and each time I respond with a resounding YES! As mentioned, we are the home of football, the most passionate and educated football fans in the country are based in Sydney’s West. We’ve been waiting a long time for this.
9. The club established themselves as part of the community very early on, how was this achieved so well?
Through open and continuous dialogue that extends further than token lip service. The community, through fan forums etc, were asked about location, names, colours etc. Not only were they asked, but to their credit, the Western Sydney Wanderers executive and the Football Federation Australia (FFA) used the suggestions directly. When the community have direct input into a decision, and they see the results directly linked to an outcome, it can only mean an engaged community, that feels part of the club, a club that they helped define and build.
10. What do the Wanderers mean to the people of Western Sydney?
The Wanderers are more than a football club to the fans. It is something the West can be proud of. It is something that bridges the racial divide, the religious divide, and the gender divide. Statistically the demographic of the west is largely migrant. Migrants from all over the world with diverse characters. Nothing in my memory has brought such a diverse community together like the Wanderers. I think the FFA has a mammoth task ahead to get the sale right. They will be responsible for the fate of a club, a community, a passion that has united region. To those involved in the Wanderers community it means the world, and the officials cannot underestimate the underlying passion.
11. How will the Socceroos go in next years World Cup?
Time will tell. I hope they make the final 16 at the least. I think it comes down to the coach and the decisions he makes. Playing for your Country is a honour and I know the players will give everything. If Holger makes the right decisions I think we can do well. We are a resilient bunch.
Follow Steven on twitter @steven_issa
