Local Legends: Livio’s legacy at St Mary’s

Livio Basile has been involved with the St Mary’s football community for over three decades and is a true legend of the Northern Football Netball League club.

Livio began volunteering at St Mary’s in 1992, when out of the blue his son Damien decided to take up under 10’s football mid-season. Livio took him down to training on Wednesday and by Sunday, Damien was out on the field.

From the start, Livio threw himself into volunteering with the club and quickly became an essential member of the team. From 1992 to 1997 he was the boundary umpire for every single game his son played, and soon after added trainer, canteen volunteer and player advocate at the tribunal to his resume. It’s no surprise that by 2001 Livio was awarded a Life Membership at St Mary's.

Over the years, his role in the junior club expanded and he held several committee positions, including Social Director, League Director and even served as the President in 2004 and 2005.

In fact, it was while he was President that one of Livio’s most proud moments at the club occurred. St Mary’s Junior club was named the largest AFL junior club in Australia with over 600 players.

Another of Livio’s most significant contributions to the St Mary’s community was his role in establishing our Senior Club. After two attempts, they finally got an Under 19s team together in 2009 and thus the Senior Club was born, providing a pathway for St Mary’s Junior Club players to keep playing footy with their mates at the club they love.

While the club started seeing success on the field, it was still hard work off as the club didn’t have a home ground. Livio arranged games and training across 15 different locations until five years later they finally found a permanent home ground at Whatmough Park in Greensborough.

While most recognise him today for manning the bar on a Thursday and Saturday, he is also the Team Manager for the U19s, a player advocate at the tribunal, and with 15 years of experience as a trainer, he still jumps in to help when needed.

Livio’s dedication has not gone unnoticed and in 2009, the Senior Club introduced the Livio Basile Award to honour his service. The prestigious award is presented annually to a person within the club who has freely given a generous amount of time and commitment to the club, and who exhibits a strong passion for the St Marys ethos.

Now, three decades later, Livio shows no signs of slowing down and is still here each week lending his support the Club.

Inaugural St Mary’s Senior Club President, Tom Chapman, commended Livio on his dedication to the football club.

“Not many can say they’re in their 33rd straight year of volunteering at a footy club. People like Livio are rare and he has set the bar extremely high when it comes to matching his commitment, energy and passion,” he said.

“We are very fortunate to have him as part of the St Mary’s family.”

AFL Victoria’s Local Legends initiative aims to recognise the local heroes who are the lifeblood of their local clubs and communities.

Whether it be a coach, player, umpire, local business owner, administrator or volunteer, AFL Victoria wants to celebrate the people who are the backbone of community football clubs. Community football clubs simply could not survive without those who are willing to show up each weekend and make sure that the game goes ahead, crowds are well fed, players are supported and success is enjoyed.

Nominees for the AFL Victoria Local Legends initiative can be anyone who is involved in a community football club in any capacity, whether it be paid or unpaid, directly related to the game or a behind-the-scenes super star, these legends are who make community football what it is.

Do you know someone with a great story like Livio? Nominate them now