Western Sydney Wanderers players Lawrence Thomas, Alex Gersbach, Miguel Di Pizio and Dylan Scicluna swapped the football pitch for a different kind of teamwork this week, joining children and families at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for a special Starlight and Build-A-Bear experience.
The Red & Black quartet spent time with young patients as part of Starlight’s FANtastic Friends initiative, helping bring smiles, laughter and a little Wanderers spirit to children experiencing the challenges of hospitalisation.
The special event, delivered through a partnership between Starlight Children’s Foundation and Build-A-Bear, gave children the opportunity to create their very own teddy bears, design supporter merchandise and enjoy a day filled with friendship, creativity and connection.
With the Wanderers on hand to join in the fun, there was plenty of Red & Black inspiration throughout the Starlight Express Room as children created their own fan bears, designed scarves and banners, and took part in games and activities alongside the players.
One of the highlights of the day was Build-A-Bear’s famous Heart Ceremony, where each child placed a heart inside their new furry friend, making a special wish before bringing their bear to life.
For Wanderers vice-captain Alex Gersbach, the experience also provided an opportunity to pay tribute to one of his teammates, with his own creation named after fellow Wanderer Jarrod Carluccio.
“My bear was called Dogga after the famous Jarrod Carluccio,” Gersbach laughed.
Beyond the fun and games, the visit was an opportunity for the players to spend meaningful time with children and families, creating positive memories away from the challenges of hospital life.
“If we can make these kids’ days just five per cent better, then we’re always happy to come out to hospitals and visit children like that,” said Gersbach.
The visit formed part of a four-year partnership between Starlight and Build-A-Bear, which continues to bring the magic of the Build-A-Bear experience directly to seriously ill children in hospitals across Australia.
This year alone, Build-A-Bear is donating 1,300 bears to children visiting Starlight Express Rooms nationally, with the initiative made possible through the generosity of customers who purchase $2 charity hearts in-store.
Build-A-Bear team members also volunteer their own time to deliver the workshops, helping ensure children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit a store can still experience the joy of creating a special furry friend.
For the Wanderers, the opportunity to be involved reflects the Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Western Sydney community and making a positive difference beyond football.
Built on the values of teamwork, friendship and belonging, the FANtastic Friends experience was a reminder of the powerful role that connection and shared experiences can play in bringing happiness to children and families.
And while the players are more accustomed to creating memorable moments on the football pitch, this was an opportunity to help create something just as special off it.
A few new furry friends, plenty of Red & Black spirit and, most importantly, smiles that will last well beyond the day.
