One of the most endearing and long-lasting stories in grassroots football focuses on the last remaining Italian club still playing in London’s amateur league. Founded in 1968 and with a strong set of core values, Italia Wasteels is more than a club – it’s a family. And Italian brand Diadora, one of the most prestigious brands in world football, have helped the club celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Speak of craftsmanship and football in the same sentence and you will inevitably find yourself talking about Diadora, such is the legacy of the brand in the beautiful game and the power of the ‘Made in Italy’ endorsement that accompanies their premium products. As such, it’s no surprise to realise the high-esteem in which the Italian brand is held in their homeland, and nowhere is this more apparent than within the ranks of Italia Wasteels, the last remaining Italian football club playing in London’s amateur football leagues.
In 1968, while helping to establish a church within their adoptive community, a group of Italian immigrants set up a football team to pass the time. Half a century later, the Italia Wasteels story goes on, with a third generation of the founding family now at the helm and carrying the core values of the club forward.
In one of those moments of symmetry that life throws up every now and then, it just so happens that in the same year that Diadora celebrate their 70th anniversary, the Wasteels also celebrate their 50th. As part of the joint celebrations, the club were presented with a special bespoke commemorative team kit that took inspiration from the Azzurri’s look, complemented by gold detailing and a special club crest. And it didn’t stop there, with the team also kitted out with iconic ‘Made in Italy’ boots from their nation’s premier boot manufacturer. A special gift for a special team from a special brand.
Pick up the Diadora Brasil 'Made in Italy' at prodirectsoccer.com
