Multicultural Ambassador: Joe Pignataro (St Bernard’s)

Multicultural Round is upon us. As such, we at VAFA HQ wish to celebrate those within our league from diversified cultures and ethnicities, and recognise them for the role they play in our association.

Kicking it all off is St Bernard’s small forward Joe Pignataro.

By St Bernard’s Football Club Committee:

“Joe first came to St Bernards FC in 2006 as an U16’s player and coached by club legend Maurie Sullivan. He is a very colourful and cheerful clubman with a proud Italian heritage. His parents are both of Calabrian descent; his mother from beachside Bianco Province and his father from mountainside Oppido.

On field, Joe is a small power-packed bundle of energy and strong voice in the Thirds’ forward line. He has been likened (by himself) to Paul Puopolo of Hawks fame, and he is continually campaigning (tongue in cheek) for a call up to higher levels.

Joe brings his sparky media personality (as pictured with Kevin Bartlett on his SEN 1116 radio show) and strong positive spirit to the club.

He has also authored a very brave book; a story about his struggles with anxiety and depression. The book includes the loss of his close friend Chris Lane, the Aussie baseballer who was gunned down in the USA.

Joe is very strong contributor to the open culture at St Bernard’s FC and is welcoming to people of all backgrounds and ethnicity. We are proud to announce Joe as our Multicultural Ambassador for 2015 and look forward to his positive influence around the club for many years to come.”