Adelaide United’s bond with young leukaemia patient inspires Reds’ A-League grand final quest

Ace Kounavis’ smile belies the brave leukaemia battle his Adelaide United heroes are helping him fight. His positivity is also inspiring goalkeeper Paul Izzo and the Reds’ grand final quest.

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Ace Kounavis’ smile belies the brave leukaemia battle his Adelaide United heroes are helping him fight.

The youngster’s positive outlook was also inspiring the Reds’ quest for an A-League grand final berth and guiding goalkeeper Paul Izzo through his own challenges off the pitch.

Ace’s United journey began as the club kicked off its successful FFA Cup run in August, just two months after he was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma – a rare blood cancer.

The Reds fanatic was now a regular at training and matches between chemotherapy sessions, forming a bond with Izzo and his teammates ahead of Friday’s semi-final away to Perth Glory.

“I love them because they’ve supported me so much,” Ace, seven, said.

Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo has built a close bond with Reds fanatic and leukaemia patient Ace Kounavis. Picture: Sarah Reed

“Everyone is my favourite (player), but Izzo is just special to me.

“I walk out on the field with him sometimes at games and he’s my friend.

“It (treatment) has been hard, but the players have made me feel happy and forget about it.

“Winning the FFA Cup was good. It would be awesome if they beat Perth.”

Ace had undergone 10 months of weekly chemotherapy for the aggressive non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Izzo said he had made a big impression on the Adelaide squad and encouraged him to better balance the pressures of professional sport with the demands of day-to-day life.

“When we first met, it was a bit of a rough patch for me,” Izzo, 24, said.

“But he’s really changed my outlook on a lot of things and he’s taught me a lot more about life outside of football.

“He’s one of the most positive kids I’ve ever come across, especially in the situation he’s in, and he’s got me out of some pretty dark times with his attitude and mentality.

Ace Kounavis celebrates last month’s A-League triumph over Melbourne Victory with Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz. Picture: Sarah Reed

“A lot of people focus on results in football, but I look to Ace for the most important thing which is perspective on life.

“I’m forever grateful for meeting him.”

Izzo kept his promise of visiting Ace with the FFA Cup at his Fulham home following October’s final triumph and later hosted him for a FIFA video game challenge.

The Reds No.1, who received pre and post-match video messages from the Year 2 Henley Beach Primary student, had also spent time with him during hospital treatments.

“It’s not like a chore for me, it’s something I enjoy and something I’m happy to do,” SA-born Izzo said.

Adelaide United supporter Ace Kounavis with Reds goalkeeper Paul Izzo at Hindmarsh Stadium. Picture: Sarah Reed

“He’s going through a bit of a battle, but he’s supporting us through our battle as well.

“He’s been a massive motivation for the whole team and he’s looking like a pretty good luck charm at the moment.

“It’s not going to be an easy task against the Premier’s Plate winners Perth.

“But we’re extremely excited and motivated to cause a pretty big upset for our friend (Ace).”

Ace had been mascot at several Reds games and celebrated with coach Marco Kurz and his players on the Hindmarsh Stadium pitch following last month’s win over Melbourne Victory.

Mother Tahli Kounavis said United’s support had been crucial in helping her son progress to the next stage of treatment.

Ace Kounavis and Adelaide United winger Ryan Kitto on the Hindmarsh pitch following the Reds’ A-League win over Melbourne Victory. Picture: Sarah Reed

“It’s a rollercoaster and probably one of the hardest journeys you can embark upon,” Tahli said.

“But the players have been incredible and as Marco has always said, he’s part of the team.

“We feel like his relationship with them has helped his recovery and made a big difference.

“You can never repay them for what they’ve done and we’re eternally grateful.

“It’s been pretty magical.”