The Eltham Redbacks community has always prided itself on passion, resilience, and generosity — and few stories embody that spirit more than Alan Kearney’s.
This year, our Senior Men’s Assistant Coach, U23 Head Coach, and former Redbacks player took on the Marathon des Sables — a gruelling 250km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert, often referred to as the toughest foot race on Earth. Over seven days, Alan battled blistering heat, shifting sands, and mental and physical fatigue, pushing himself beyond anything he’d experienced in his professional football career.
Running for More Than Himself
Alan’s mission wasn’t just about crossing the finish line. He dedicated his race to raising funds for two causes close to his heart:
- Tour de Cure – an Australian charity funding vital cancer research and support programs.
- One Ball – a not-for-profit football program creating opportunities for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to play the game they love.
Thanks to the support of the Frank Montagnese Foundation, every dollar raised by the Redbacks community for Tour de Cure was matched and donated to One Ball – doubling the impact.
A Community United
When Alan set off on this journey, the fundraising goal was ambitious. But the Redbacks family, the wider football community, friends, and supporters across the globe rallied together. Donations poured in, fuelled by Alan’s inspiring training updates, heartfelt interviews, and the sheer scale of the challenge he was taking on.
By the time Alan crossed the finish line in the desert, the generosity of our community had already made a huge dent in the target. And in the days following his return, we didn’t just reach our goal – we smashed it.
The True Measure of Success
Completing the Marathon des Sables is a rare feat in itself. Doing so while raising significant funds for two incredible causes makes this achievement truly extraordinary. For Alan, the run was a test of endurance; for the Redbacks community, it was a reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together.
From everyone at Eltham Redbacks FC – congratulations, Alan. You’ve inspired us all, on and off the pitch.