In NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers fan Josh Allen, the Socceroos have some inspiring support in their corner as they head to the World Cup in Brazil.
In NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers fan Josh Allen, the Socceroos have some inspiring support in their corner as they head to the World Cup in Brazil.
For a football mad 15-year-old, there’s not much better than getting up close and personal with his Socceroos heroes.
But for Red and Black fan Josh, it does get bigger as he not only met a host of his favourite players, including Matthew Spiranovic, at the Socceroos fan day at Kogarah on Saturday but he presented the ball before kick-off at Monday night’s farewell friendly against South Africa.
Josh has been dealing with a far greater challenge since September last year when it was discovered he had a cancerous tumour on the brain stem.
The brave youngster has been receiving regular treatment ever since and staying at Ronald McDonald House® Westmead.
The charity not only lined up the ball presentation before kick-off at ANZ Stadium but will be sending the Allen family to the World Cup.
Josh with his parents Greg and Julie and older brother Todd, will spend a week in Brazil where they will watch the World Cup final in what will be an experience of a lifetime.
“Hopefully the Socceroos will still be there,” Josh said as he watched the Socceroos train on Saturday.
“It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
Mum Julie added: “It’s such a beautiful country (Brazil) and they love their football so it’s going to be a wonderful trip.”
The resilient teenager had a big smile on his face after training on Saturday as he got autographs and had photos with almost every member of the squad.
Wanderers star Spiranovic was the first to go over to meet Josh, have a photo and sign his new Socceroos jersey, before the rest of the team followed suit.
Josh said he was excited delivering the match ball at Monday night’s match but was a little nervous as “there were a lot of people watching”.