Like many school children, Andrew Tsui found his love for the AFL at a young age.
Born and raised in Sydney he was eight years old when Auskick arrived at his primary school. According to Tsui, who is now a proud Sydney Swans member, “I got hooked from then.”
While Tsui admits that at such a young age, he didn’t quite understand the sport, it was about building friendship and camaraderie among his classmates.
“It wasn’t more so the actual game, it was the team bonding,” he told Sydney Swans Media. “When I started watching the game the skill and athleticism hooked me onto it.”
Tsui was just 10 years-old when he attended his first live game, and at the MCG no less.
“I was in Melbourne, and it just so happened that weekend was the preliminary final of the Sydney Swans v St Kilda,” the Sydneysider recalled of the 2005 final series.
“I sat just behind the cheer squad that night and it was absolutely amazing.”
It’s been nearly two decades since Tsui discovered Aussie rules football and his list of memorable moments as a Sydney Swans fan is long.
“Recently, I’d have to say Buddy 1000. That was a really special night and certainly something I’ll never forget.”
He continued, recalling the dying minutes of a 2014 thriller where the Swans faced a top four team in Port Adelaide and a tight score line.
“Buddy kicked two goals in the last quarter. One from about 70 metres out and another from 50. The crowd was huge,” he said.
It’s not the highlights however that have had Tsui return to the football time and time again. But the inclusive experience the Sydney Swans has developed in the last decade.
Tsui is first generation Australian after his parents migrated from China in the early ‘90s. Round 15 will see the Swans celebrate the Chinese community and their contribution to the game and Tsui is eager for young people to get involved.
“For me, the Swans have done a good job of including everyone, regardless of background… as someone from a Chinese background it’s been really welcoming.”
“There’s a lot of room for growth and opportunity for younger kids to get involved from an early age,” Tsui added, “and it would be nice to see a Chinese-Australian join the AFL and play for the Swans.”
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