Sal Giovinazzo sees football through a different lens to most. Over the past eleven years, Sal has become a much-loved figure around the grounds of Belconnen United, capturing football memories of hundreds of Canberrans on his trusty camera.

Even though photography was a high school passion of his, Sal only started taking photos when he was coaching his kids from the sideline at Belnorth FC.

“I did photography classes in high school in the late 70s, but obviously the cameras back then were not crash hot so I didn’t follow that passion for some time,” Sal said laughing.

“When my kids were born, I wanted to document all these memories, so I bought a camera and started taking photos while I was coaching them at Belnorth.”

Sal said his love for photography stems from not only the joy it brings to the participants, but his desire to create a historical record of those who have played football in Canberra.

“I am an old fart so I have seen kids play for the club as an eleven-year-old and now they are playing in the premier league or even for Canberra United,” Sal said.

“Belconnen United has become almost a family to me because I see them all the time, so I take great enjoyment in taking photos. I want to take photos for as long as I can.”

Capturing moments on camera has no monetary value for Sal, as he refuses to accept payments for his pictures. Instead, he wants his photography to create a legacy that will continue long after he moves on.

“These days, nearly everything is done for money and not many do things purely because they love it,” he said. “I am a bit old-school so I will never charge for my photos.

“When one of my coaches passed away, I remembered all the things that he taught me. So one day, when I have left this planet, it would be nice that people remember that I took that photo of them.

“That can be my legacy.”

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