Help me support kids with cancer
This June long weekend, we are turning the football pitch into a platform for hope.
In memory of my brother, Ross, who passed away from Leukaemia 30 years ago, I am partnering with the South Australian Amateur Soccer League (SAASL) to host a special charity match: Playing for Ross.
As the host of The Local Game and the SAASL Podcast, I am bringing my two shows together for the ultimate light-hearted charity soccer match. Serving as the curtain-raiser for the Inter Association Amateur Challenge Final on Sunday, June 7, we’re bringing together SA soccer legends and familiar faces to see who takes the title—all for a cause that supported my family during our most difficult time.
Our Goal
Our initial goal was to raise $10,000 for the Childhood Cancer Association - but we've now upped it to $15,000. Funds raised will provide vital support to South Australian children and their families, ensuring no one has to walk that path alone. The more money we raise the more families we can support.
How to Support
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Donate: It only takes a minute—any amount, large or small, helps us reach our target and support families facing the reality of cancer every day.
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Attend: Join us at Smith Partners Stadium on Sunday, June 7, to see the match (kick off is at 12.30pm) and contribute to the donation tins.
Thank you for helping us honour Ross’s memory and supporting the incredible work of the CCA. Your generosity truly makes a difference!
Johnny Keko
My Updates
Target of $10,000 reached - now aiming for $15,000
Saturday 6th Jun Our initial goal was to raise $10,000 and after successfully achieving that by Saturday 6th June, we've now upped the target to $15,000. The more money we raise the more families we can support. Let's do this! ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$33.87
John Panagaris
$33.87
Loukas Founten
Bravo Johnny! You’re a star.
$200
Anonymous
Congrats Johnny!
$100
Jason Trimboli
$529
Embros Strength And Conditioning
$17.15
Zach Allevi
Couldn’t make it out there today mate but hope it was a great day! Congrats on all your hard work
$256
Raffle Tickets & Donations
$300
Modbury Jets Soccer Club
$1,000
Swim Fit Gear
$500
Foodland Supermarkets
$100
Tim Crawford
$100
Chris Ennis
$100
Anthony Stam
$150
Marcus Flores
$2.89k
Raffle Tickets & Donations
$400
Cablecraft
Congratulations Johnny! 40 minutes played for an amazing cause! From Brad & Amanda (Cablecraft)
$23.02
Theo Tsiounis
$750.80
Gate Takings
$30
Stuart And Dawn Paul
$750
Raffle Tickets & Donations
$106.12
Anonymous
$65.39
Paul Radice
$100
Lori Ingham
$106.12
Anonymous
$220
Regis Queffelec
Thank you Johnny and SAASL for bringing the SA football community together through this wonderful event and to support this great charity. I hope everyone has a great time today during the event.
$63.95
Richard Ashcroft
$162.75
Kone Elevators
KONE ELEVATORS SUPPORTING JOHNNY AND THIS AMAZING CAUSE!
$162.75
Will Ventura
Well done Buddy! Amazing cause and a privilege to be involved.
$106.12
John And Sue Mccormack
Thinking of you on this Special and Emotionsl Day , Ross will be looking Down today with a smile . You have done a remarkable job organising this for a Good course .
$10
Alicia Girolamo
What a beautiful idea Johnny 🤍
$23.50
Anonymous
$54.84
Joanne & Tony De Blasio
So proud of you Johnny for raising awareness and funds for such a great cause
$106.12
Marcelo
$33.87
David Mccallum
Thanks to Dave Grant for supporting this cause and hope the footy goes well .
$30
Tom Basso
You’re a legend Johnny
$20
Lilly Del Medico
$226
Collegiate Soccer League
$384
Amateur Soccer League
$408
Metro Stars
$144
Amateur Soccer League
$23.50
Scott Hall
$337.75
Salsa Espresso Bar
$467.70
Metro Stars
$1.01k
Ann Cichanowski
$65.39
Mel Andersen
❤️
$65.39
Chrissy Panagaris
$103.72
David Grant
All the best Johnny ... and your family
$106.12
Alessio Carrocci
Fantastic initiative, and a great show of unity between the football community. Let the games begin!
$25
Mary Lazz
$162.75
Simon Catanzaro
$103.72
Seb O'neill
Looking forward to Sunday and reaching the goal! ⚽
$33.87
Holly Hutchings
$120
Football Sa Referees
$53.64
Pablo’s Coffee Cartel
Well done Johnny! Have fun on Sunday!
$106.12
Sevanah Pantelis
You should be proud of your efforts Johnny! Can’t wait to play on Sunday 🫶🏼 🏃🏽♀️➡️⚽️
$106.12
Antonis Pagonis
$100
West Adelaide Women
$34
Adelaide Pumas
$328
Anonymous Donor
$702
Adelaide Pumas
$106.12
Marc Talbot
Keep up the great work, privilege to be able to play in this game.
$54.84
Tom B
You are a legend mate!
$54.84
Marianthe Pagonis
$65.39
Lucky Marra
Great job Johnny!
$54.84
Alex Sunasky
Love your work Johnny
$65.39
Matt Pill
Hey Johnny, Good luck for a great day Sunday. See you there!!
$18
Luca Castello
$150
Simon Gimenez
Proud of you mate.... and Viva The Local Game!
$106.12
Isaias Sanchez
$54.84
Matt Kehl
I lost my niece to Leukaemia last year 😔
$11.80
Shyon/sid
$44.71
Barbara & Lyndon Hutchinson
$127.34
Ryan Kaftan
$120
$100
Jacob B
$250
James Gallagher
$150
Lucas Rinaldo
$33.87
Dara Gimber
$6.20
Anonymous
$106.12
Nikki & James Crisera
Beautiful way to remember Ross and look after yourself in the process 🙏
$11.80
Laura Dimech
$33.87
Robert Alaia
$33.87
Shirley Simon
Worthy cause. Close to our hearts.
$11.80
David Ialeggio
$23.50
Michael Porone
$33.87
Jayme Kaiser
$6.20
Johnny Tigani
$23.50
Elio Marusic
$30
Sharee Mcnamara
All the best Johnny for a fantastic game in memory of your brother.
$6.20
Lachlan Gow
$23.50
Jackson Walls
Love your work Johnny, this is a great initiative
$50
Zok
$44.71
Raff Maccanico
$23.50
Alexandros
$6.20
Anonymous
$100
Metrostars
$11.80
Andrew Lessis
$54.84
Jared Clark
🤍
$106.12
Neil Edwards
$106.12
Andrew Kokot
$215
Andriana Karagiannis
$30
Lena
$80
Tom N Rose
$64
Cafe Diaspora
$40
Tzoi Tsarkani Wt Birkalla Laces
$200
Ali
Go team Local Game Ross would be proud 💛
$54.84
Gene Parini
Great cause, I hope the days goes well and many $$ raised.
$54.84
Jodi
$106.12
Natsiopoulos Family
$30
Nick Woolley
$33.87
George Blackwood
❤️
$215
Julian Torresan
$30
Nathan Andijanto
❤️
$50
Mixalis Essien
All the best wirh reaching your goal.
$103.72
Nicolas Delo
$33.87
Nancy Timpano
Goodluck Johnny!! I hope you reach your goal
$160
Adelaide Pumas Gold Laces
$88
Elliot & Gold Laces Sales
$11.56
Anonymous
$65.39
Brennan Cockburn
$350.39
Greg Clarke
Johnny, as a parent it breaks my heart when I hear of a child losing their life at such a young age. On Saturday to raise this funding one of our First Team players - Anton Domaretski wore the gold laces in a man of the match performance to get us the win. Hopefully this money can go towards eradicating these childhood illnesses so all can have the life they deserve.
$54.84
Chris Ikonomopoulos
$267.25
David Mogg
$65.39
Theo Mylonas
Worthy cause- all the best mate.
$33.87
Anonymous
Well done Johnny!
$23.50
Adrian Chiali
Ross would be super proud of you mate! Doing this using this beautiful game is even more special.
$23.50
Lauren Nocera
Well done Johnny! This is for a wonderful cause! ❤️
$33.87
Amanda Freschi
$100
Mark
$54.84
Kosta Jaric
Fantastic work Johnny!
$54.84
Adrian D’aloia
$54.84
Nick
Great work Keko
$50
Nocera Family
Ross would of been very proud of you ❤️
$30
Lucas Nocera
Love your work Johnny. Ross would definitely be proud!
$30
Andoni Natsiopoulos
$17.66
Anonymous
$33.87
Sam Klemzig
Good work Johnny
$65.39
Tonia & Frankie
Go!!!
$33.87
Jodie Walls
What a wonderful way to raise money for a worthy charity. Wishing you all the best on the day and hopefully you reach your goal. Thoughts are with you.
$54.84
Sue Murphy
Great work! Hope you exceed your fundraising goal.
$54.84
Michelle T
What a great cause. Your brother would be so proud. Look forward to watching this all unfold.
$44.71
Cooper Nunn
Sending love Johnny
$106.12
Maged Ibrahim
Sending much love to Johnny
$50
Anonymous
$60
Well done champ.