About The Foundation
Marc Arcuri was a happy and seemingly healthy 15-year-old when he was struck down by sudden cardiac illness while playing football for Austral FC on Saturday 19 July, 2014.
The tragedy left his family and friends devastated and the football community reeling. Although it occurred at a time when the number of deaths from heart attacks on the football field was rising, Marc’s death at such a young age showed that heart attacks can happen to any person on any football field.
Not long after Marc’s tragic passing, a six-a-side football tournament being organised to determine the best football team in a Facebook banter group was turned into a fundraiser with the aim of buying one defibrillator for Austral Football Club.
It soon became known as the Marc Arcuri Cup.
Organised by friends Alex Cauchi and Robby Mansour (Marc’s older cousin) – the 2014 Cup was held at Francesco Crescent Reserve in Bella Vista – the home of Norwest Football Club. Twelve men’s teams competed and more than $6,500 was raised, enabling the purchase of three defibrillators from the Royal Life Saving Society of NSW.
In the following years the Marc Arcuri Cup continued to grow, to 32 men’s teams at Daniel Street Park, Greystanes in 2014 to more than 50 men, women and juniors the following year at Marconi Stadium – to almost 100 teams competing in 2019.
The event is completely funded by player registrations and donations from businesses such as the Frenmore barbecue or the many food vendors that feed the players and punters on the day.
Every dollar donated or raised through sponsorship goes directly to the purchase of defibrillators at cost price via a partnership with our friends at the Royal Life Saving Society of NSW.
Since 2014, more than $200,000 has been raised and more than 100 defibrillators have been purchased and donated to community sporting clubs across NSW and Victoria. One defibrillator has even saved a life, with 64-year-old Ian “Gunner” Rae revived after suffering a heart attack while playing for West Pymble FC in April 2018.
The Committee
The Foundation is run by a volunteer group of Arcuri family members and friends who give up their free time and countless hours arguing on Facebook and WhatsApp to bring you the Marc Arcuri Foundation.
Left to Right:
George Elias – Head of Digital
The Foundation’s IT guru, data chief and beloved Uncle. George manages the Foundation website and registration platform.
Adam Arcuri – Head of Lunch
Marc’s older brother Adam manages all food and vendor activations at the Cup and the impressive KonQa clobber that the volunteers and officials will be decked out in.
Tvrtko Tepic – Head of Sponsorship
Tepic (it’s easier to pronounce his last name) brings in the big bucks to help us fund the roll-out of our lifesaving defibrillators.
Giuseppe Mirigliani – Consigliere
Managing the referees and providing wise counsel to the Committee, after more than 30 years as a general Sydney soccer wog bloke.
Robby Mansour – Co-Chair, Founder and CFO
When it comes to cash, Robby is your man. He ensures that the Foundation’s finances are in tip top condition at all times.
Alex Cauchi – Co-Chair, Founder and General Manager
Alex oversees the organisation and promotion of the Foundation and is almost never wrong.
Mikky Baroni – General Committee Bloke
No one is quite sure what Mikky does, but his contributions are always appreciated.
Adrian Arcuri – Head of Football
Sailor as he is affectionately known looks after the football competition, draw and all related matters.
Daniel Arcuri – The Cup Commander
Oversees all aspects of the event at ClubMarconi Stadium.
Alex Arcuri (front) – Video Master
Creator of all video content - when he’s available.
Marc Arcuri Foundation Ltd.
Suite 402, 49 Queens Road
FIVE DOCK NSW 2046