️After nearly four decades, one of Western Australia’s most historic football clubs is returning to its original name — and to its cultural roots.
Perth Azzurri, formerly known as Perth Soccer Club, is entering a new era that bridges its proud Italian heritage with a bold vision for the future of the game in WA.
A Full-Circle Moment
Founded as Perth Italia before becoming Perth Azzurri, the club dominated local competitions for decades before rebranding to Perth Soccer Club in the late 1980s.
Now, a $30 million redevelopment funded by the State Government has paved the way for the club to reunite with the WA Italian Club, marking a symbolic and strategic return to where it all began.
“We felt the time was right to bring the Azzurri name back,” club president Jason Marocchi said. “Perth Azzurri hasn’t played under that branding since 1987 — and the feedback from members, supporters, and former players has been phenomenal.”
The merger proposal will be presented to members at the club’s AGM in December, aiming to create one united organisation that honours the past while preparing for future success.
Honouring Heritage and Community
The president spoke proudly about the deep connection between Perth Azzurri and the Italian-Australian community, explaining that the club’s identity was built on the values of its migrant founders — hard work, respect, reward for effort, and community spirit.
“It’s important to remember where you come from because it shapes who you are today. We’re proud of our Italian history, but also of our Australian identity. We’re a diverse club with players from all backgrounds — and like any Italian family, once you’re part of this club, you’re family.”
The planned merger with the Italian Social Club is expected to create one of Perth’s strongest cultural and sporting hubs, cementing Azzurri’s role not just as a football club, but as a pillar of community life.
A Moment of History: Bobby Charlton in Perth
Among the many chapters in Azzurri’s rich history, few are as iconic as when Sir Bobby Charlton — one of football’s all-time greats — pulled on the club’s shirt during a pre-season tournament in Western Australia.
“I was only one or two at the time, but everyone who saw him play said he was still unbelievably talented, even in his 40s,” the president recalled. “We still have his photo hanging at Dorrien Gardens. It was an honour to have such a legend represent our club.”
Perth Azzurri’s Under-14s seal a historic treble, defeating Perth RedStar 2–1 to claim the 2025 Youth Club Championship after already winning the league and cup.
A Proven Pathway for Local Talent
Perth Azzurri’s commitment to player development remains a cornerstone of its philosophy.
“We’re proud that Socceroos captain Alessandro Circati came through our junior system before moving to the Glory Academy and then to Parma,” he said.
The club’s youth program continues to thrive — the U14s claimed a historic treble (league, cup, and youth championship), while the U16s also lifted their league title.
Even at senior level, the pathway is clear, with the first team’s average age just 21–22 this season.
“We give young players real chances,” he added. “One player I’ll highlight is Luka Hirninger, a 19-year-old defender who won our Youth Development Award this year. He played a full NPL WA season and has real potential to go even higher.”
Ambitions for the Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Perth Azzurri’s ambitions are clear: to be among the elite in Western Australian football once again — and to make their mark on the national stage.
“We want to compete for the NPL WA title, qualify for the Australian Championship and Australia Cup, and go deep in every competition we enter,” the president said.
The club’s women’s team will also look to defend its title and chase back-to-back success, continuing Azzurri’s tradition of excellence across all programs.
“We already have a big trophy cabinet at Dorrien Gardens,” he laughed. “If we need to build another one, we’ll happily fill it too.”
Perth Azzurri crowned 2025 NPL Women’s Champions after a dominant campaign, finishing 11 points clear at the top to cap off a remarkable season.
A Shared History with Perth Glory
Azzurri’s influence stretches well beyond the local scene. Their history is closely tied with the foundation of Perth Glory, WA’s only professional football club.
“Glory’s first owner, Nick Taylor, was a vice president at our club, and their first coach — my uncle, Gary Marocchi — also coached Perth Azzurri,” he explained. “The first-ever Glory squad had seven or eight players from our club.”
Under Ross Pelligra’s current ownership, Perth Glory has made efforts to strengthen ties with NPL clubs, something the Azzurri president says is vital for the state’s football ecosystem
“A strong Perth Glory means a strong WA football community. Our histories are connected — and we want them to succeed.”
Returning to the Name That Started It All
After decades of evolution, success, and transformation, Perth Azzurri is returning to where it began — but with new facilities, stronger programs, and bigger ambitions than ever before.“The Azzurri name represents who we are,” the president concluded. “It’s about honouring our roots while continuing to grow. We’re proud of where we’ve come from — and even more excited about where we’re going.”
Perth Azzurri is more than just a football club — it’s a living story of heritage, community, and ambition. And with the iconic Azzurri name returning, the next chapter of that story is about to begin.
Perth Azzurri, formerly known as Perth Soccer Club, is entering a new era that bridges its proud Italian heritage with a bold vision for the future of the game in WA.
A Full-Circle Moment
Founded as Perth Italia before becoming Perth Azzurri, the club dominated local competitions for decades before rebranding to Perth Soccer Club in the late 1980s.
Now, a $30 million redevelopment funded by the State Government has paved the way for the club to reunite with the WA Italian Club, marking a symbolic and strategic return to where it all began.
“We felt the time was right to bring the Azzurri name back,” club president Jason Marocchi said. “Perth Azzurri hasn’t played under that branding since 1987 — and the feedback from members, supporters, and former players has been phenomenal.”
The merger proposal will be presented to members at the club’s AGM in December, aiming to create one united organisation that honours the past while preparing for future success.
Honouring Heritage and Community
The president spoke proudly about the deep connection between Perth Azzurri and the Italian-Australian community, explaining that the club’s identity was built on the values of its migrant founders — hard work, respect, reward for effort, and community spirit.
“It’s important to remember where you come from because it shapes who you are today. We’re proud of our Italian history, but also of our Australian identity. We’re a diverse club with players from all backgrounds — and like any Italian family, once you’re part of this club, you’re family.”
The planned merger with the Italian Social Club is expected to create one of Perth’s strongest cultural and sporting hubs, cementing Azzurri’s role not just as a football club, but as a pillar of community life.
A Moment of History: Bobby Charlton in Perth
Among the many chapters in Azzurri’s rich history, few are as iconic as when Sir Bobby Charlton — one of football’s all-time greats — pulled on the club’s shirt during a pre-season tournament in Western Australia.
“I was only one or two at the time, but everyone who saw him play said he was still unbelievably talented, even in his 40s,” the president recalled. “We still have his photo hanging at Dorrien Gardens. It was an honour to have such a legend represent our club.”
Perth Azzurri’s Under-14s seal a historic treble, defeating Perth RedStar 2–1 to claim the 2025 Youth Club Championship after already winning the league and cup.
Perth Azzurri’s commitment to player development remains a cornerstone of its philosophy.
“We’re proud that Socceroos captain Alessandro Circati came through our junior system before moving to the Glory Academy and then to Parma,” he said.
The club’s youth program continues to thrive — the U14s claimed a historic treble (league, cup, and youth championship), while the U16s also lifted their league title.
Even at senior level, the pathway is clear, with the first team’s average age just 21–22 this season.
“We give young players real chances,” he added. “One player I’ll highlight is Luka Hirninger, a 19-year-old defender who won our Youth Development Award this year. He played a full NPL WA season and has real potential to go even higher.”
Ambitions for the Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Perth Azzurri’s ambitions are clear: to be among the elite in Western Australian football once again — and to make their mark on the national stage.
“We want to compete for the NPL WA title, qualify for the Australian Championship and Australia Cup, and go deep in every competition we enter,” the president said.
The club’s women’s team will also look to defend its title and chase back-to-back success, continuing Azzurri’s tradition of excellence across all programs.
“We already have a big trophy cabinet at Dorrien Gardens,” he laughed. “If we need to build another one, we’ll happily fill it too.”
Perth Azzurri crowned 2025 NPL Women’s Champions after a dominant campaign, finishing 11 points clear at the top to cap off a remarkable season.
A Shared History with Perth Glory
Azzurri’s influence stretches well beyond the local scene. Their history is closely tied with the foundation of Perth Glory, WA’s only professional football club.
“Glory’s first owner, Nick Taylor, was a vice president at our club, and their first coach — my uncle, Gary Marocchi — also coached Perth Azzurri,” he explained. “The first-ever Glory squad had seven or eight players from our club.”
Under Ross Pelligra’s current ownership, Perth Glory has made efforts to strengthen ties with NPL clubs, something the Azzurri president says is vital for the state’s football ecosystem
“A strong Perth Glory means a strong WA football community. Our histories are connected — and we want them to succeed.”
Returning to the Name That Started It All
After decades of evolution, success, and transformation, Perth Azzurri is returning to where it began — but with new facilities, stronger programs, and bigger ambitions than ever before.“The Azzurri name represents who we are,” the president concluded. “It’s about honouring our roots while continuing to grow. We’re proud of where we’ve come from — and even more excited about where we’re going.”
Perth Azzurri is more than just a football club — it’s a living story of heritage, community, and ambition. And with the iconic Azzurri name returning, the next chapter of that story is about to begin.
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