Experience of a lifetime for Max Chatillon

Earlier this year, young Hills Brumbies footballer Max Chatillon had his world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Max’s immediate family, friends and the entire football community rallied around aspiring young footballer, determined to continue to support him in his quest to conquer this illness.

Recently, the FFA and the Socceroos were part of a promotion that put a smile on Max’s face with an extraordinary VIP experience during Australia’s recent series of matches against Greece.

Luke Casserly was the catalyst behind facilitating the experience for Max, which included attending a Socceroos training session as well as the first match of the series against Greece at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

Socceroos Team Manager Joel Freeme along with Socceroos Media Manager David Mason acted like guardian angels for Max, and were accommodating in every regard for the youngster and his family.

All of the Socceroo players were eager to provide Max with their time before they hit the showers after training, more than happy to provide a signature and photo, accompanied by a chat.

In fact, young Socceroos star Tommy Rogic, was generous in providing Max a pair of signed football boots, which will no doubt take pride of a special place on his mantle.

Socceroos Skipper Mile Jedinak was very accommodating with his time, checking in on him on game day and reflecting on his evening at training.

Of course none of this would have been possible without Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou and his approval of it all.

Ange was accommodating and so welcoming to the entire Chatillon family, and it was inspiring for the young footballer to speak with him at length during training. The Socceroos coach showed his true colours, and is a true gentleman and his blessing for all of this to happen was so greatly appreciated.

It is refreshing to know that acts of kindness and warmth still exist, and fantastic to see a professional group of individuals such as the Socceroos go out of their way to try and support a fellow footballer and human being in need.

There will be a fundraising night for Max at Lily’s Football Centre on June 25th to raise some funds for the family to aid in his treatment and rehab costs, where amongst the items up for auction will be a Socceroo’s jersey generously donated by Ange and the team. 

A big thank you from Max and his family as well as his extended family at Hills Brumbies, for this fantastic act of kindness from the FFA and the Socceroos.

On behalf of the entire football community, we wish Max Chatillon all the very best during his quest to conquer this illness, and hope for a speedy recovery.