Next Up: Home Against Unity - An Interview with Gabe Altomare

The squads are back at home this weekend! Their opponent: Unity FC. We touched base with former Unity player Gabe Altomare this week about how he’s feeling going up against his old team, and how island life has been treating him as a Nanaimo United player:

How’s it been living and training on the island?

It’s been amazing. I’ve really been enjoying my time so far. The weather’s been excellent, it’s an excellent environment, and it’s given me the opportunity to dial in my footy. There’s no distractions - I’m here for one thing and one thing only. I’ve noticed a big improvement in my game so far and we’re only halfway through the season - not even! It’s a beautiful place. You’re right next to the ocean - you can’t ask for more than that! On top of that, it’s delivering exactly what I hoped for: I’m getting so much better. I’m locked in and doing everything I can every day to align with my goals.

How has training been? What’s the vibe like at practices?

There’s been a little bit of a shift. There’s a sense of urgency. Everyone’s a little bit more dialled, a little bit more intense, more gritty. We’re all working hard and we’re all doing our bit because we understand it’s crunch time now if we want to turn the season around and if we want to start getting wins and performances in. We’re all dialled in, we’re all locked in, the intensity is high, and we’re all sharp. We’re demanding more from each other because that’s what needs to be done if we want to make it - if we want to end up having a positive season. It’s been weighing on all our minds as we go into sessions - like, hey, it’s not just a kick-about, we all want something more out of this, and the work needs to be put in in order to turn the season around.

Have there been any key moments over the last few weeks that have been particularly inspiring? Has a captain, team leader, or coach said anything that has gotten you excited or thinking differently about the game? 

Kevin and Suka have both given speeches at different times over these past few days following the TSS game. It’s great hearing from people with so many years of experience in the league. Suka was named Midfielder of the Year last season and has a lot of winning experience. Kevin does as well. It’s good hearing them speak about different ways we can turn the season around and what’s really demanded of you in this league. Hearing it from people who have been there, who have done it, is key. They’re very inspiring and they know what they’re talking about. They’re the kind of people that when they go to speak, players stop and listen. There’s a level of respect for both of them—one that I share and that I know the rest of the team does too. The team knows they know what they’re talking about and it’s brought us together as a collective.

How has this season differed from ones you’ve played in the past? 

It’s different from seasons in the past because we’re all on the island together. On the mainland, everyone’s coming from different areas, everyone’s driving from different parts, but here, everyone’s from Nanaimo, and everyone’s local, for the most part at least. It’s such a strong, tight-knit group of us that it feels like more of a brotherhood than just a team. That’s such a big aspect of the sport - that’s what makes you fight for each other on the field, off the field, when you see your teammates that you’ve been bonding with for the past few weeks, past few months, it makes the world of a difference.

What are you looking forward to this weekend? How are you feeling about the game?

We obviously know that Unity is a very strong opponent, and there are key plays we’re prepared for. The guys are buzzing - we’re excited to be back home. On a personal note, it’ll be great to see some close friends of mine - who are now opponents. It’ll be interesting to see how we stack up against them and, hopefully, secure our first three points of the season.

GAME DETAILS

Take note! Game times this week are slightly different than those of previous home games! The women kick-off at 12:30 PM and the men follow at 3 PM at the Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium. 

Buy tickets here!

United!