For Auckland FC’s final home game before the playoffs, the real star of the show wasn’t just on the field; it was a young footballer in the stands.
Meet Riley. He’s 10 years old and a passionate goalkeeper for the U11 Eastern Suburbs Purple team. In 2024 alone, Riley kept an incredible 10 clean sheets - a record any keeper would be proud of! When he’s not between the posts, he’s behind a drum kit as the drummer in his band, Exploding Kittens. A lover of football, music, friends, and fun, Riley’s light shines brightly in every space he’s in.
Son, grandson, friend, teammate, classmate, Riley is at the heart of his community.
Earlier this year in February, Riley was diagnosed with Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Since then, his world has changed. He’s been undergoing an intense chemotherapy journey, with five rounds down of 14, his treatment expected to last approximately nine months. These days, Riley is home-schooled when he’s feeling well enough, and he stays connected with his friends online through games like Minecraft and Roblox.
Riley’s mum, the wonderful Candice, has become his full-time carer, while also caring for Riley’s nana, who is bravely fighting Lymphoma cancer.
Since his diagnosis, Riley has missed playing football with his team and drumming with his band. It’s his last year at St Ignatius Primary School, and he had been looking forward to milestones like biking to school and being a road patrol monitor - things many of us may take for granted, that mean the world to a young boy.
In a beautiful stroke of timing and a few well-placed phone calls, Jani-King New Zealand was able to connect with Riley’s family in early March. Together with Auckland FC, we were thrilled to help create a truly special day out for Riley and his loved ones.
On the day, our “Group of the Knight” was made up of Riley, his family, friends from his football club, and his awesome coach, Brad Bainbridge, who recently helped Riley meet the Fiji national football team as well.
Despite his chemo, Riley was feeling strong enough to enjoy the game! Riley was able to soak up the excitement of the match with his whanau, sharing some unforgettable memories. Not only this, but Riley also met his hero; Auckland FC goalkeeper Alex Paulsen (pictured above).
Being a part of this day was more than a privilege, it was a highlight of our year. A huge thank you to Auckland FC, Candice, and Coach Brad, for making this day possible. And a massive shout out to the Black Knights for delivering another win for our group to witness!
Riley, you are strong, courageous, and inspiring. Your spirit and your smile have touched everyone at Jani-King New Zealand. We are behind you every step of the way.
Keep shining goalie, we’re cheering for you.
