Soccer will be secondary to a good cause next Saturday (February 13) when supporters of the long-awaited friendly match between Werribee City and Hoppers Crossing at Galvin Park dig deep for Bailey Chesson.
Two-year-old Bailey is going through a rough time. He suffers from a rare condition called Myelodysplastic syndrome, for which he has already undergone surgery.
The fightforbailey.com website outlines the extensive treatment he receives, involving weekly blood tests, chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, and some time in the future – once a compatible donor is found – a bone marrow transplant.
Bailey is the son of Josie Chesson, who has a long association with both clubs. She will play in the Hoppers Crossing women’s team this year but is a former player and junior coach at Werribee City.
Bailey is also the nephew of Hoppers Crossing men’s captain Brian Chesson.
‘Buddha’, as Brian is known, started as a junior at Hoppers Crossing before playing with Werribee City. He returned to Hoppers Crossing in recent seasons to help push the club up through the Football Federation Victoria ranks.
“It will be an emotional day for both clubs,” Hoppers’ president Steve Lambrakakis told Star Weekly. “The family is very close to both clubs’ hearts.
“We’ve been working together with Werribee City on various things in the past couple of years, since they’ve been promoted into the NPL, and this is just another part of that and will hopefully bring the clubs closer together.”
The target for the Fight for Bailey fund is set at $10,000. The tally sits at $2100, but Lambrakakis is confident the remainder can be found soon. “Two years ago, we had a hastily organised charity event for the mother of Kevin, Alister and Steve Smart, who play in our senior team, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Lambrakakis said.
“We had a massive day … we set a target of $5000 and we hit $12,000. Based on previous experience, I hope we can rally up the troops and really help this family out.”
Fans are in for an exciting match. It’s the first time the two Wyndham clubs have met since 2003 because they have played in different divisions.
The 90 minutes will be fierce, belying the game’s friendly status. “It’s still red versus blue, Hoppers versus Werribee,” Lambrakakis said.
“So many players have played for both clubs; so many club associates have played for both clubs, so pretty much everyone knows each other.
“They’re going to want to beat us; we’re the state 2 blokes down the road,” he said.
“We’re going to want to beat them because they’re the NPL side up the road.”
The reserves will kick off at 12.30pm with the seniors following at 3pm.
