Jul 17 - Gibraltarians In New York – A Footballing Tale
Eugene’s Tale
Whilst covering the Chief Minister’s UN visit to New York last month, our reporter met Eugene DeSoiza whose grandparents were from Gibraltar. In the appropriate setting of the New York Athletic Club’s trophy-filled Hall of Fame, Eugene told the fascinating tale of how his grandfather, Andrew DeSoiza, moved to the U.S and set up football teams for Gibraltarian players who had emigrated to New York.
Calpe America FC
Andrew DeSoiza married Eugene’s grandmother Adelaide Rodriguez in 1909 at the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned. Upon reaching New York, he started Calpe America F.C which played in a New York-based league in the early 1900s. He also went on to manage a team called Gibraltar F.C in the 1930s together with his brother Angelo.
The Calpe America team. Andrew DeSoiza is the third player from the left in the second row.
23rd Street Llanito Community
Eugene says that Gibraltarians started settling in and around the 23rd Street area in New York City at the turn of the century when the city was a magnet for immigrants from across Europe.
Eugene is justifiably proud of the pivotal role his grandfather played in helping Gibraltarian athletes: “Most of their trophies and medals have vanished over the years, but I am told they could have filled a large trophy room. My grandfather for many years gave financial support to the teams he was associated with along with constantly recruiting his countrymen from Gibraltar. If they were noted football players, they would have a job waiting for them in New York City and I can say with great confidence that many Gibraltarian footballers got their start in NYC because of the opportunity that was provided by my grandfather.”
Gibraltar F.C. photo for the 1931-1932 season with Andrew DeSoiza on the left in the dapper suit. His brother Angelo is in the suit to the right.
Eugene, who now works at a large investment bank, says he was very moved when he visited the Rock and saw his great-grandfather’s (Antonio DeSoiza) grave at North Front Cemetery and he started uncovering his family’s past.
Although he never met his grandfather, Eugene says that he was an immensely popular and esteemed member of the community.
“I am told that his wake needed three floors of a funeral parlour to accommodate the visitors,” he says adding that the flowers that were sent in sympathy were turned away because there was not enough space.
If you recognise anyone in these photos or know of anyone in your family who played for these New York teams, please contact us on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
