EDFL: Coda Abbouchi makes a special return to Roxburgh Park

A Roxburgh Park junior footballer made an “incredibly emotional” return to training on Tuesday night, 10 months on from his cancer diagnosis when he was just 12.

Roxburgh Park is enjoying a special season but nothing will beat Tuesday’s junior training session.

Coda Abbouchi, a Magpies’ under 14s footballer, returned to visit his teammates for the first time in 10 months since his cancer diagnosis.

When Coda’s family was given the heartbreaking news last year, the then 12-year-old had been preparing to play his 50th game but began feeling unwell in the lead up to the game.

His father Mada was the coach of the side.

It was the start of a journey which saw him live in a hospital away from his family, friends and beloved Roxburgh Park Football Club.

Coda returned home earlier this month with his treatment still ongoing.

But his return to training on Tuesday night marked a big moment in his battle.

Roxburgh Park president Tom Mason described it was “one of the best moments” he has had during his short stint in the role.

“It was incredibly emotional for everyone involved,” he said.

“Coda’s story goes much further than footy, his family are wonderful and have a fantastic connection at the club.

“Seeing the smiles on he and his parents faces was really special. His teammates from last year, who are now in the under 16s, presented him with some money they had raised themselves.

“We had ex-presidents and lots of different committee members down at the club — that’s how much his family means to us.”

Coda Abbouchi and Roxburgh Park captain Jack Elliott. Photo: Facebook.

Magpies’ senior captain Jack Elliott was one person to arrive early at training to see a young man he has continued to support throughout the last 10 months.

“Jack has spent quite a bit of time with Coda and his family,” Mason said.

“He’s helped to maintain a real connection between the club and the Abbouchi family especially during their darkest times.

“That shows the culture we are trying to build at our club.”

Another person to have played a significant role in the Abbouchi family’s journey is Roxburgh Park committee member Trevor Gladman.

Last year, he organised the “Auction for Coda” with various sponsors and private donors which raised over $6300 for the family.

“It was absolutely huge and the club will always be thankful for everyone who donated,” Mason said.

Coda Abbouchi at Roxburgh Park training on Tuesday night. Photo: Facebook.

Following his diagnosis last year, the club also introduced the Coda Abbouchi Award which was presented to an under 14s player who “displayed leadership qualities and a never give up attitude, just like Coda”.

The inaugural winner was Cooper Armitage.

Mason said the presence of the award showed the “regard Coda and his family are held in”.

“The family is heavily invested in our football club,” he said.

“Hopefully it is something that will stand forever. The boys definitely would have got a lift out of seeing Coda last night and hopefully it gives them great motivation.

“Across all grades we want to be wearing our club colours with pride for Coda.”

While he won’t play in 2022, Mason said he remains hopeful Coda will pull on the Roxburgh Park jumper again next year.

“We will need the issues when he returns,” he said.

“It will be his 50th game as well. You couldn’t write that stuff.”