Roma Club New York joins multi-club campaign to raise money for Covid-19 hospitals

As the city struggles to cope, Roma Club New York vice president Claudio Tamborra is helping spearhead a new fundraising campaign to help public health care workers in New York tackle the crisis.

asroma.com caught up with Claudio to find out about the ‘New York Kicks Coronavirus’ campaign, his passion for Roma and the city’s incredible football community...

Caludio, what can you tell the readers about yourself and your role with Roma Club New York?

“My name is Claudio Tamborra, and with Luca Martano, I’m the Vice President of the Roma Club New York. While this is my official title, I like to think of myself as a Romanista in New York that loves his team and tries to honor the name of Associazione Sportiva Roma abroad.”

What is your history with AS Roma? How did you become a fan and how did you get involved with Roma Club New York?

“I was born a Romanista, and to be honest, it wasn’t even a choice. My father passed me this passion, and even when I moved to Pisa, I never betrayed my faith. It was very strange being a Roma supporter back then, because all my classmates were supporting only three teams - Juventus, Milan and Inter. This made my love for the club stronger and forged my Roma fandom even further.

“I left the capital in 1993 and then Italy in 2008, but I never lost the link with AS Roma - actually quite the contrary. When I finally moved to New York, I wanted to find a way to be connected to my team. I became a part of Roma Club New York in 2012, and it is now a completely different club from the one I first joined.

"Originally, it was just a place to watch the games, now it’s a family where people can feel truly at home, with other supporters who are just as passionate as myself.”

Before we talk about ‘New York Kicks Coronavirus’, tell us about Roma Club New York's support of Roma's fundraising campaign to help the hospitals in Rome deal with the emergency?

“We joined AS Roma’s GoFundMe campaign, and shared as much information as possible about it through our social media channels, and group messaging. Moreover, we also shared content from other teams and supporters working to help fight COVID-19 worldwide. We were crushed by what we saw coming out of our home country but seeing the efforts from Roma and other clubs around the world was an amazing and beautiful message.”

Can you explain the ‘New York Kicks Coronavirus’ campaign?

“We are all aware that the world has been incredibly challenged due to the recent outbreak of Covid-19, and New York has been hit especially hard. During this difficult time, we need unity more than ever.

"The one thing that unites us all is the beautiful game, and that's why 34 of the football supporters’ clubs of New York are teaming up to bring COVID-19 down, spanning eight countries, and proving once again what a diverse melting pot this city really is.

“We'll be donating all the money from this fundraiser to NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public health care system in the nation, serving more than one million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the five boroughs. Their mission is to care for all regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.”

How did the idea for ‘New York Kicks Coronavirus’ come about?

“Based on what we saw in Italy, we decided less than a week ago that New York, because of its multiculturalism and diversity, is one of the only cities in the world that can actually take this concept to the next level. We wanted to go beyond the colors, rivalries and countries to create a platform that shows how the beautiful game can unite us all and fight the same battle.”

What has it been like working with some of New York's largest supporters clubs?

“Honestly, it’s been exciting and inspiring. I got the pleasure to work with other clubs’ members, including Lazio Club and Juventus Club. Launching ‘New York Kicks Coronavirus’ has made me realise that Covid-19 is truly bigger than us - and I believe there is something poetic in fighting this battle together. As a football community, it is the very least we can do.”

What does the New York football community mean to you, specifically during the Coronavirus pandemic?

“We have always been very centered in Roma and Italy, but now we have opened ourselves up to a beautiful network of so many different groups and supporters that share a love of football, and humanity. I hope that when this is over, we can all gather together and meet in person.”

For people who aren't in the community, can you explain what it's like living in the New York City area right now, with this region being the hardest hit in the United States?

“It’s tough. This is an invisible enemy and we are all very concerned about the present, as well as what the future will look like for New York City. That is also why we were so happy to launch ‘New York Kicks Coronavirus’, creating positive vibes and uplifting messages throughout the football community, while helping our healthcare heroes on the frontlines of the Covid-19 battle at the same time.”

How have you stayed connected with members of Roma Club New York during quarantine?

“We are often in touch via WhatsApp and FaceTime, where we hold group chats and video calls. That being said, I truly miss everyone and cannot wait until we are all watching a match together soon!”

What does it mean to be a member of the AS Roma family, especially during this difficult time?

“What AS Roma’s management has done for the city of Roma during this difficult time has been absolutely amazing and outstanding. It’s a true example to the world.”

If you have a message to the football world outside of NYC, what would it be?

“I would like to ask you to help us with ‘New York Kicks Coronavirus’. Every dollar counts, and NYC Health + Hospitals’ mission is to care for all, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status is a noble and heroic cause that we can all get behind. If you can’t donate, please share our campaign, and maybe another person who sees this can help! And remember: The Darker the night, the nearer the dawn!

Click here to learn more and donate to the 'New York Kicks Coronavirus' campaign.