Soccer is everywhere when you walk into the Pezzano household – on the TV, in the backyard, and in the hearts of every family member. But for 11-year-old Michael Gerrard Pezzano, the game isn’t just a family tradition; it’s also a big part of his story of hope, resilience, and faith.
The Horsley Park parishioner, in Sydney’s south-west, was born with a severe case of hip dysplasia. The diagnosis led to surgeries, braces, and months in a body cast at an age before most kids learn to crawl. But as soon as the cast came off at eight months old, the first thing Michael did was to kick a soccer ball across the floor.
He started with Little Kickers at age three, then moved on to indoor academies and local clubs, always pushing himself, refusing to let his medical history hold him back.
Today, he plays for Western Sydney Condors Under 12s Division 1, a division above his age group – testament to his hard work and love for the game.
Michael is named after his late grandfather, with his second name in honour of St Gerard and the Liverpool FC player, Steven Gerrard.
Along with his achievements on the soccer field he strives to life his faith and serve others as a Catholic Life Leader and ‘Mini Vinnie’s’ member. An active member of his parish and altar server, he is also working towards achieving a Pope Francis Award, a program offered by Sydney Catholic Schools to recognise students’ faith-based community service.
This year, while preparing for his Confirmation, Michael insisted on finding a saint who loved soccer as much as he did. Together with his mum, he went on a search that led them to St Luigi Scrosoppi, the patron saint of soccer players.
The connection felt even more special when they discovered Scrosoppi FC, a soccer club named after his chosen saint in Canada. His mother Angela emailed Scrosoppi FC to ask if there was any chance they could surprise Michael for his confirmation with a signed photo of the club. Michael received a written card, a soccer jersey, hoodie and cap.
His is a family where the ‘beautiful game’ is a way of life, but faith is the steady heartbeat behind it all.
Michael’s dad, Marco, played park soccer in his youth. His big brother Angelo plays National Premier League NSW at Inner West Hawks, his sisters Olivia and Marina are just as enthusiastic, and even his future brother-in-law Francesco runs Frenzy Sports, a football program for schools and preschools.
Michael’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. His specialist warned: “No trampolines, but don’t stop him from playing soccer.” And that’s exactly what the family has done, along with his current soccer coach, supporting Michael, surgery after surgery, as he’s chased his dreams on the field.
As Michael received his Confirmation on 11 June, he reflected on St Luigi Scrosoppi’s example of teamwork, perseverance, compassion; qualities he tries to live out every time he steps onto the soccer field.
For Michael, choosing his saint wasn’t just a homework assignment. It was a way to tie his faith to the thing he loves most, and to remind himself (and others) that with belief, determination, and a little help from above, you can overcome anything.
This article was offered by Michael Pezzano’s family. Share your story at https://catholicweekly.com.au/share-your-story/
