Fan Club Spotlight: Roma Club Düsseldorf

Roma Club Düsseldorf has a rich and unique history. Can you tell us when the club was founded and what was the idea behind setting it up?

James Amatulli: “Roma Club Düsseldorf is the original Roma supporters club in Germany. It was founded in 1973 by Italian fans based in Düsseldorf. Originally, it was a small group, but over the years, many Italian expats and German-born fans joined the community of Giallorossi.”

What can you tell the readers about yourself and your role with Roma Club Düsseldorf?

James: “I was born to Italian and British parents in Germany in 1984, just over 10 years after the foundation of Roma Club Düsseldorf. Due to my father’s business, he traveled regularly to Italy. Coming home from a business trip, he once brought me a Roma pennant. What began with a gift spilled over into eternal love for this incredible club.

"For years, I was the only Romanista I knew, until I stumbled upon the Roma Club Düsseldorf website in 2006. After several years of membership, I was named vice president, and in 2019 I was promoted to Roma Club Düsseldorf president."

How has Roma Club Düsseldorf evolved from its foundation in 1973 to where it is today? What has changed, and what has stayed the same?

James: “As you mentioned, our club was founded in 1973, and we have faced numerous challenges. Many members went back to Italy, and we had trouble recruiting new members before the internet and social media.

"The social media explosion of 2004 was a turning point for Roma Club Düsseldorf, and thanks to the launch of our Facebook page, we started to find new members all around Germany.

"Memberships increased, and our club became more organised, building a completely new board. We are now one of the strongest Roma clubs in Europe.”

What does a normal Roma matchday look like for members of Roma Club Düsseldorf?

James: “Our club was founded in Düsseldorf, but there are different groups all over Germany, and each match day experience is unique. For the bigger matches, we usually arrange trips to the stadium, or we gather together to watch the match live at bars around the country.”

Have you or any of your members been over for a match this season?

James: “Yes, our members travel to matches in Italy and Europe regularly. The last match our members attended was against Gent. The highlight of this season was our invitation to the players’ hotel in Mönchengladbach; where we were able to meet club and staff for pictures and autographs.”

Being that your fan club is in Germany, are most members of Roma Club Düsseldorf Italian expats, or do you have a lot of German-born members as well?

James: “Despite being a fan club of an Italian side, with many expats, we also have a lot of German supporters who watch Bundesliga and Serie A.”

Why should someone join Roma Club Düsseldorf?

James: “We offer several benefits, but the most important one is to connect with people who share a passion for Roma. To be a Roma supporter is something unique. Once you get to know each other, you become a part of a big family. We normally organise several events during the year, including trips to matches, holiday parties, and birthdays. We also encourage members to bring their families, friends and anyone who likes football."

Obviously the Bundesliga is the league of choice in Germany, but what is the presence and impact of Roma and Serie A in the country?

James: “Roma has a special place in the hearts of many Germans. They admire the loyalty of players like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi. These two players, along with such a rich club history, makes the club appreciated and respected in Germany.”

What is your favorite Roma moment since Roma Club Düsseldorf was formed?

James: “Aside from past scudettos, it is definitely the glorious night against Barcelona in 2018. Our members were watching all over Germany, and many of us were actually in attendance at Stadio Olimpico.”

What does it mean for Roma Club Düsseldorf to be members of the Roma family, especially during this difficult time?

James: “It’s a very difficult time for the entire world, the Coronavirus has affected all of our lives, but I am thinking positively, and saving my energy to strike back loud and support the Giallorossi! Forza Magica Roma!”

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