Special Feature: APIA Leichhardt Tigers ? The Breeding Ground for A-League talent

Hirofumi Moriyasu and Matthew Nash are the most recent former APIA players to have secured contracts with Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets respectively.
APIA captain Franco Parisi believes the club has several stars in the waiting this season.
“We?ve proved in the last five seasons that one of our players has gone to the A-League.,?? he said.
“We are the most successful club in producing A-League players and I think there is about eight boys that can make the step up given the professionalism, training every day and the competitive environment that comes with it.
“Chris James is doing well and has caught the eye of everyone and we are hoping he can go as far as he can.??
Despite starting the season with several draws Parisi says his APIA teammates are ready to aim up for the rest of the season and prove they are one of the best teams in the competition.
“We feel as we can dominate any match and we need to prolong that domination from 40 or so minute through to the entire match,?? he said.
“We need to eliminate those defensive lapses we have at times which I think every team in the world tires to do.??
The club is also in the best position it has been in recent years after receiving a $2.2 million state government grant in March this year which is expected to go towards a synthetic pitch and new surroundings to name a few.
“The grant means exciting times ahead for the club,?? Parisi said.
“The club is doing the right thing and I believe it is the biggest grant any club has gotten at this level and we are excited with what the club can do and it is going to be happening in the next three years I believe.??
-By Chris Georges