Fan Club Spotlight: Roma Club New York

Where did you grow up?

Claudio Tamborra: "I was born in Rome, and by the age of eight, I moved with my mother and sister to Pisa. By the age of 24, I left Italy, to Spain, then Ireland, Mexico, Miami and finally settled down in New York!"

Why did you choose Roma?

"I don’t think it was ever a choice, it was inherited from my father and I never questioned it. It’s truly the strongest faith I have and my desire is to now pass it to my son."

What makes Roma so special to you?

“Roma is the strongest link that I have with my country - along with my city, Pisa. It is always amazing to see and feel the love that we all share for Roma especially when you are far from your family, friends and country, like in my case and most of our Roma Club New York supporters.”

What is the history of Roma Club New York?

"Roma Club New York was created on May 15, 2008, by Giovanni Peluso. What started as a small group of passionate supporters has grown into the largest Roma Club in the United States!"

How did you get involved with Roma Club New York?

"I left the capital in 1993 and then Italy in 2008, but I never lost the link with 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.

"Along 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 honour the name of Associazione Sportiva Roma abroad.

"Originally, Roma Club New York 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.”

Does Roma have a passionate fan base in New York City?

"Yes. Roma Club New York is more than a club - it is a true family. Our mission is to bring together members of our Club and AS Roma supporters from the New York Metropolitan Area as well as visitors from around the world. Our world is made by people who love AS Roma, Rome and football.”

What does the New York football community mean to you?

“We have always been very centred 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."

Why should someone join Roma Club New York?

"From visiting Romanisti to native New Yorkers, we welcome anyone to join and share the passion that we all have for this incredible, unique club. Roma Club New York has truly become a family, and we want to share this family with as many people as we can."

What does being a New Yorker mean to you?

"I always relate to the old adage 'If You Can Make it Here, You Can Make it Anywhere'. I’ve travelled extensively throughout the world, but I’ve never seen a city like the Big Apple. It’s not just about the beauty, the architecture, the traffic, the crazy pace, the melting pot, or the complexity of the boroughs. It’s all of this all together and more, it’s the city that never sleeps and the one you’ll never forget. New York is resilient, strong, and proud. No matter where you from, New York is Home."