Domenic Costanzo to follow in his father's footsteps at the Stallions

It was a case of like father like son after promising young 20-year-old attacker Domenic Costanzo penned a deal with iconic National Premier Leagues NSW Men side Marconi Stallions, just like his dad famously did in the early 2000’s.

“It’s a privilege to be able to play for a club that my dad played for and evidently did quite well at,” Costanzo stated to Football NSW.

“Marconi has always been an important club to me because while dad was playing here, it was where I was born, so it is a special feeling knowing I’m starting a new chapter of my career exactly where my life had begun.”

Born in NSW, Costanzo relocated to Adelaide with his family at a young age and it was there he developed as a young promising footballer coming through the South Australian football ranks that saw him play for the likes of FK Beograd, West Torrens Birkalla and at Croydon Kings FC where his father was coaching.

The young sharpshooter also spent time with Adelaide United signing a scholarship contract during the 2020/21 A-League season and became the club’s first father and son combination as Angelo wore the Reds jersey on 92 occasions.

In a nutshell the evidence was there to state that his father, famous for his glowing long locks during the NSL and A-League days played a pivotal role in his development as a footballer.

“I have always looked at my dad as my idol and someone I look up to, both on and off the field,” Costanzo stated to Football NSW.

“He has played a big role in my career up till this point, especially when he was coaching me during my time at Croydon Kings in Adelaide which is when I was granted a contract with Adelaide United.

“I honestly feel he has definitely helped me a lot, pushing me to my limits. He has shown full faith in me which has been very helpful as well.

“Even though he is in Adelaide, and I am in Sydney, he is still keeping me on my toes and making sure I am doing everything I can do to be at my best.”

Asked how the move to the ‘Palace’ eventuated, it was thanks to a short stopover in Sydney to visit his sister that brought him to the attention of coach Peter Tsekenis and co.

“I was in Italy trialling and training with a few clubs and it was time to come back home.

“Instead of going straight back to Adelaide I stopped in Sydney for a bit to stay with my sister.

“I got given the chance to train with Marconi and in the end, I was happy with the opportunity that was given to me so I decided to stay and test myself in a different league and step out of my comfort zone a little bit.”

Costanzo has felt right at home since signing with the Stallions who have assembled a quality squad ahead of the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s season.

With the likes of seasoned NPL NSW players such as skipper Marko Jesic, Liam Youlley, Marty Fernandez, Nenad Vekic, the Speranza brothers Giorgio and Roberto, Nathan Millgate and the new inclusions of Charles Lokolingoy and Thomas James to name a few, Costanzo is certainly in some decent company.
“I’ve felt right from the start, I have settled in quite well, and all the players have been extremely welcoming. I was familiar with a few of the players before arriving, more notably Marko Jesic. He played with my dad at the Newcastle Jets, so I met Marko when I was a lot younger.

“I feel as an individual and as a team we are expecting a top 6 finish as a minimum.

“I feel as a player if you aren’t expecting your team to do well collectively, there’s no point in playing, so I feel by looking at the squad and how we have been going in preseason, we shouldn’t be counting ourselves out to be right up there this year.”

The Stallions will kick off its 2022 campaign on Saturday 5th of March when they host the Sutherland Sharks at home with young Costanzo hoping to make a mark on this match.

Image: 80kms Photography