Post by paoktzi on Jan 25, 2012 8:29:28 GMT 10
For some, football is just a game, a mere hobby, but to one family, football is their life. With the ‘world game’ and Sydney Olympic FC imbedded in their blood and hearts, it comes as no surprise that the Triantis family continues to produce talented footballers and future stars of tomorrow.
Both Chris and Peter Triantis are well-known Sydney Olympic FC First Grade players, respected and regarded by the Olympic faithful as uniquely talented and gifted footballers who have proudly represented the ‘Blues’. In 2012, younger siblings John, Nectarios and Stephanie will join the ranks at Sydney Olympic FC and are set to follow in their older brother’s footsteps and demonstrate their own respective skills on the football field.
For one of these siblings, 18-year-old John, the 2012 season is of great importance, with the talented young midfielder setting his sights on making his first grade debut along side his older brothers. His goal to play first grade football along side his siblings was a motivating factor and influenced his decision to turn down several offers from other clubs, who each offered John a first grade contract. John made the transition to Sydney Olympic FC from previous club Parramatta FC where he won the accolade of ‘Under 18’s Player of the Year’ on two consecutive occasions and is set to be an integral member of the 2012 Sydney Olympic FC Reserve Grade squad, a definite one to watch for the Olympic faithful.
Unlike most young girls who play dress-ups or with dolls, 11-year-old Stephanie Triantis loves nothing more, than to tear up the football field and in the 2012 season, the aspiring Matilda will do just that, when she lines up with the U/12’s Sydney Olympic FC Women’s squad, in what will be her first year in the Football NSW Women’s Super League Competition. Stephanie is looking forward to the season’s commencement and can’t wait to represent the ‘Blues’, something the young midfielder has always wanted to do, with a passion.
The establishment of the Premier Development Program (PDP) attracted a wealth of young talents, including Nectarios Triantis, who despite being at the tender age of 9, has been considered by many to be a football prodigy and a definite star of tomorrow, praised for his exceptional skills and technique. Despite being younger than several of his teammates and possibly the opposition, Nectarios remains fearless, instead he is looking forward to the challenge and is confident that he will continue to transcend and improve as a footballer.
One person in particular is over-joyed to see five of her children at the same club, the family’s matriarch Poppy Triantis. Whilst most mothers would be overwhelmed at the thought of having 10 children, Poppy has it all covered and in previous years successfully managed to transport all 10 of her children to all of their footballing commitments with the help of her older children.
“I drove all of my kids to training and to their soccer games, sometimes with the help of the older kids Georgia, Chris [and] Peter. When I was busy or had to take one of the kids somewhere, one of the older kids who were home at the time would take them. There was no way out,” Poppy revealed with a laugh.
Like any proud mother, Poppy is looking forward to the upcoming 2012 season and spoke highly of all of her children, praising them for their respective talents, skills and passion.
“Stephanie, is so excited. She has her heart set on being a footballer and wants to play in the W-League and for the Matildas.
“Nectarios is a natural, he is amazing. He is very excited that he will wear the same gear as the older boys. To play up an age group will be a challenge, but he is definitely looking forward to it.
“John is so happy to be at the club, he always wanted to play for Sydney Olympic and is so talented. He turned down other clubs to play for Sydney Olympic and to have the opportunity to play alongside his brothers.
“The kids have always wanted to play for the club, they all love Sydney Olympic” Poppy said.
With an innate passion and love for the club, the Triantis children aim to take the Australian football world by storm, with the 2012 season set to be a family affair as the Triantis’ look to astound and entertain the Olympic faithful, whilst in the ‘blue and white’ jersey they always wished to represent.
www.sydneyolympicfc.com/news/2012/01/25/keeping-up-with-the-triantis/
