Diminutive Aussie soccer player with rare condition lands film role

Each time he plays the game he loves Isaac Natoli risks serious injury that could see him confined to a wheelchair. But his love of football has convinced his parents and Football NSW to allow the 13 year old to play in an under 11’s team so he can pursue his dream. And his love of the game has led to a starring role in a new Australian short film that’s already been shown at festivals in Seattle and Los Angeles.

Isaac Natoli will never grow to a normal height. But the 13 year old’s passion and love for football has already endeared him to his teammates and coaches alike. 

For parents Richard and Sharon, just seeing him running around with the University of Sydney’s U-11 team is enough for them to know he’s doing the right thing. A whiplash injury could do serious damage to his spine,  but he won’t be confined or defined by his medical condition - Spondyloepiphyseal-dysplasia.

Isaac told SBS Online: “The love of football I have just drives me to do better and not worry about the condition I have.” Richard and Sharon just want him to be happy,  and for him to find a role in life. And that’s how the “Trophy Thief”  film opportunity came about.

left to right: Peter Magdas – Producer “Trophy Thief”, mother Sharon, father Richard and Isaac Natoli Source: SBS

A flyer circulated at Isaac’s previous club the Marrickville Red Devils eventually led to a screen test, and producer Peter Magdas knew they’d found someone special:

“He’s very charismatic,  and that translates as much as it does in front of the camera as it does on the pitch as well,” he told SBS. 

The resulting film Trophy Thief has been screened at festivals in Seattle and Los Angeles,  with hopes it may earn a spot at the Australian Film Festival this summer.

The plot of “Trophy Thief” involves Isaac taking the award from a boy who unfairly wins the Most Valuable Player trophy because he feels he deserves it more.

In real life though,  Isaac doesn’t feel life owes him anything, and he’s prepared to take a big physical risk to stay on the football field.  His mother Sharon told SBS: “He’s well aware of his neck and his susceptibility in that area,  so as the game gets more physical the older they get so he’s building himself up in the gym to keep going further.”

And with that kind of drive it would be no surprise if his budding skills in the film business don’t go further as well.  And the omens are good in that regard too,  Hollywood star Danny De Vito also has the same condition.  But for now Isaac is just happy to be doing what he loves most.