Iconic Pascoe Vale Soccer Store celebrates 30 years in business

THE Raponi family’s soccer store is an institution of round ball lovers in the north and counts some very famous names as customers. It recently celebrated a significant birthday.

Michael, Mauro and Gabriel Raponi in the store. Picture: George Salpigtidis

A LOT of boots have walked out of the iconic Pascoe Vale Soccer Store in the past 30 years.

Mauro Raponi, who co-owns the store — the only one in Melbourne’s north focused on soccer — with his brother Tony.

A former handy goal keeper, Mr Raponi said the store has been a beacon for soccer lovers and stars since the Raponis bought it in 1988. The site has been a sports store for more than 50 years.

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He listed famous names such as Mark Viduka, Marco Bresciano and Andrew Nabbout as customers over the years.

Mr Raponi said following a downturn about eight years ago, the Bell St business shifted its focus from retail to outfitting.

“We outfit about 20 to 30 clubs,” he said.

“We feel there is still a market for customer service, if we go back four years we were a little concerned but the past two years have been very good.”

All the family is involved in the store and Mr Raponi hopes it will stay that way.

“In the next few years the boys — if they like it — will take over and we will act as support,” he said.

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