Wests APIA FC is proud to welcome Felice Montrone OAM as its new Club Chairman, an announcement made in tandem alongside the appointment of Mario Raciti as Deputy Chairman.

In its first spring in operation, the Wests APIA Football Club brand promptly grew to sit among the benchmark competitors – both on and off of the football field – in the maiden campaign of the “Australian Championship” competition formed by Football Australia to underpin the A-League as the new national second tier of football in Australia. Over its group stage matches in the opening rounds of competition, Wests APIA amassed a total of over 10,000 attendees to its fixtures at Leichhardt Oval, and further engaged the community with in-person and digital activations, player meet & greets, celebrity appearances and a host more interactive opportunities re-igniting flames in multi-generational APIA-supporting families from around the Inner West region and beyond.

With six months remaining until the second Australian Championship season, the cogs are already turning in the Wests APIA FC administration office to make the sequel even more successful, and the appointments of Mr. Montrone and Mr. M. Raciti signal its intent to instil the utmost professional standards as a football club and organisation.

A passionate supporter of our club and a respected leader in our community, Felice brings not only experience and vision, but a genuine love for APIA and everything it stands for – family, culture, and football.

Felice’s professional career spans over 45 years, encompassing experience across property, community leadership, and public service. In 1987, he co-founded Desane Group Holdings Limited, an ASX-listed property investment company, serving as Managing Director until 2024. Alongside his corporate career, he has held numerous senior roles across government, charitable, and multicultural organisations, including positions with the Community Relations Commission of NSW, Multicultural NSW, and various Italian-Australian institutions. His longstanding community involvement is reflected in leadership roles within charitable foundations, religious organisations, and advisory boards, as well as his lifelong association with the APIA football club, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of Wests APIA FC in 2026.

“I am honoured and excited to have been appointed as Chairman of Wests APIA Football Club. The transition to ‘B-League’ for football clubs in Australia requires participating clubs to equip themselves with capable, passionate and effective board members. APIA’s collaborative partnership with Wests Ashfield Leagues Club provides the game of football in Australia the opportunity to prove that a national second division is not only wanted, but needed for the future of football in Australia.” Felice Montrone OAM said.

Felice is also the Chairperson of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund, a Sydney-based public benevolent institution, who provide financial grants for medical research and projects, as well as projects and organisations supporting disabled, infirm and elderly people, in addition to financially supporting food vans, providing over 9,000 meals a year for Sydney’s homeless. As Chairman of Wests APIA FC, Felice brings with him extensive knowledge and tenure in financial management, government relations, community relations, and a long undying passion for Australian football.

“I would also like to thank Anthony Raciti for his decades of leadership, commitment and service – not only to APIA, but to the game of football in Australia. His contribution has been extraordinary and leaves a legacy for all of us to build upon.”

“I look forward to working closely with the Board, our commercial partners and the broader APIA family as we continue to strengthen the Club both on and off the field.

Mario Raciti, Deputy Chairman, added:

“It is a privilege to step into the role of Deputy Chairman and to support Felice during this important period for the Club. APIA has always been built on strong leadership and footballing passion, and I look forward to continuing my family’s deep connection and contribution to our club.”

These appointments mark an exciting new era as Wests APIA FC honours its proud history and looks ahead to an even stronger future together.

News regarding the 2026 Australian Championship campaign, Club offers, fixtures, membership and more will begin to rollout to fans and stakeholders in the latter months of the ongoing National Premier Leagues New South Wales campaign. While the work begins in the meantime behind the scenes, join us in congratulating Felice and Mario. Forza APIA!