When Nick, Luke and Joe Leardini were younger, they’d meet every Sunday at their grandmother's house for dinner and playtime. Under one roof, they would spend time with multiple generations, eat pasta and play soccer, a game that’s defined their family for decades. In Western New York, the Leardini name has significant meaning in the soccer community because of the family's accomplishments and memories tied to it.
The legacy has grown with Nick, Luke and Joe as the leaders of the Lewiston-Porter Lancers, a program their family has led for decades. Last season, Luke was named to the Niagara Frontier second team while Joe and Nick were named honorable mention. Lewiston-Porter's Joe Leardini controls a loose ball last season against Williamsville South.
Leardini, his brother Nick and cousin Luke all play for the Lancers. “I remember nothing else mattered, and it was the most fun I had when we were younger,” Nick said. “We had so much fun.
It’s better playing with people you’re related to. It makes everything fun. It’s not like we’re trying to win everything.
We’re trying to have fun and hope winning comes with it.” The family tree is extensive. It begins with William Leardini, the grandfather of Nick, Luke and Joe, the father of Chris, Andy and Matt.
William’s sons become stars at Lewiston-Porter and played collegiately at St. Bonaventure, West Virginia, and Bowling Green, respectively. When they began their own families, Chris helped bring Nick and Joe i.