Socceroos bend it with the kids!


Sick kids at the Royal Children's Hospital were treated to a visit from some very special guests on Monday, the Socceroos!

Socceroos stars Harry Kewell, Mark Schwarzer, Jade North and Danny Allsopp took time out of their training schedule to work wonders for sick kids with a visit to the Wonder Factory and the wards.

After showing off some ball skills, and playing a game of foosball in the Wonder Factory, the Socceroos went on a tour of the hospital, signing autographs and posing for photos as they met kids in the wards.

Socceroos Captain and father of three Harry Kewell said he was happy to offer his time to brighten the day of patients.

"Certainly, it's one of these things you feel privileged to do, knowing you can come to a kids hospital and lift the kids' spirits.

"It's always great (seeing a smile on their faces). You know they are going through a rough time. Part of healing is laughter and that's what we tried to achieve today," he said.

Mark Schwarzer, a father of two, and author of a series of children's books, echoed Kewell's words.

"It's always nice; we do this a lot around Christmas time in England and its nice to be able to do it back here in Australia.

Harry Kewell, Jade North, and Imogen

Mark Schwarzer, Jade North and Danny Allsop, with Flynn

"To see the kids who are a little less fortunate with their health; if they are having a downer at certain stages, it's nice to come along and put a smile on their face," he said.

Nine-year-old eczema sufferer Andrew Sinclair, challenged Harry to a game of foosball and according to the former Liverpool midfielder managed to beat him 3-2.

"He beat me 3-2.I need to practise a bit more. He was lucky, but I'll get him next time," he said.

Harry Kewell and Jade North presented nine-year-old lymphoma patient Stephanie Ronnfeldt with a signed Socceroos jersey to serve as a reminder of the visit.

Although it's a little too big for her, Stephanie plans to display the jersey proudly in her bedroom when she returns to the family home in Toowoomba.

The Socceroos are due to play Iraq, this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The game is scheduled to kick off at 5.00pm.

 

Media Contact:
Brooke Crosby
Senior Communications Officer
T: (07) 3852 1199
M: 0407 163 876
E: brookec@workingwonders.com.au