Argentinians bring their passion for soccer wherever they go. This is what happened with Waiheke United AFCA A club that the Albiceleste's took over as their own a decade ago She settled on an island in New Zealand, which is currently hosting the Women's World Cup.
read more: Argentina national team out of Women's World Cup: Unachieved goal, balance sheets and painful farewells
Located just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, this paradise island of Waiheke has a large community of Argentines and Latinos in general. It has been there since 1987 “Argentinized” club in recent years Today it has its own bar called “La Banda del Bipaso”. The New Zealand Football Federation had to put a rule in place to stop its growth.
“This island is a magical place that grabs you and won't let you leave. There's a huge Latino community here, and it's been around for years, and we're becoming family,” he said. TN Argentinian Madias Leidy came to New Zealand five years ago with a group of friends to try his luck and never left.
Not only did the sober life keep Matthias, but Waiheke United played a leading role: “What unites us all is the club“Many of us have decided to play and enjoy football, it's our passion.”
Waiheke United was founded in 1987 and was in the First Division (Photo: Instagram @Waiheke_United)
A rule that stunted the team's growth
The club was founded in 1987, but a decade ago a Latin band of Argentines, Uruguayans and Chileans arrived and “took it over.” Very soon the team started to grow and moved up the ranks Made history by reaching the first division of New Zealand football.
“After we got to the Primera, the New Zealand Football Federation A The rule is that only five foreigners can play per team. All of us were Latinos, and it killed us. We had to do a lot of things to stay in the division and we just couldn't,” Mathias explained.
“La Banda del Bipaso” is made up of a majority of Argentines (Photo: Instagram @Waiheke_United)
For Argentina, this new regulation is the way the federation has found out Stop Waiheke United's success: “They assumed that because we were Latino, we were definitely going to win the league.”
After that promotion in 2021, the club was relegated to New Zealand's second division, where it currently plays.
“Bipaso Band”: How Argentina's passion is felt thousands of kilometers away
Argentina's passion for soccer extends beyond the confines of the pitch to the stands. This is how it was born “The Pipe Band”, the name given to Waiheke United's “brave team”, made up of families. Adults and children carry drums and flags everywhere to cheer for the team, be it away or at home.
Thousands of kilometers away and in unexpected fields, the Typical songs Can be heard every weekend in Argentina.
read more: Yamila Rodríguez's decision after Argentina's national team was kicked out of the World Cup
“Here it is always encouraged, can be played anywhere in Waiheke or outdoors. It's beauty in experience. They give everything, so the club works well,” Matias highlighted, explaining that it should be named after one of the most recognized members who smokes a pipe.
Even if the young Argentine, in Argentina, does some work and starts a business, “He couldn't find himself.” Arriving in New Zealand with his group of friends changed his destiny and gave him the peace of mind he sought.
“It's a beautiful madness, an extraordinary story,” Matías says, adding that Waiheke United has allowed – like many comrades – to keep alive the fire and passion that characterizes the Albiceleste community thousands of kilometers away.
“Typical beer advocate. Future teen idol. Unapologetic tv practitioner. Music trailblazer.”