Recently, Hugo Russell, a determined and passionate young athlete, was invited to Sky Park by the Sydney FC Foundation for a behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned football facility. This special invitation gave Hugo and his family an inside look into the operations of Sydney FC, offering them the chance to experience the world of professional football up close.
Hugo, Hugo’s Mum, Alicia and brother, Hamish, were given a tour of Sky Park, interacting with many members of the Sydney FC A-League Men’s team, before going out and showcasing his skills in a private tailored session, delivered by Sydney FC Foundation’s Inclusive Programs Officer, Ben Sutton.
Throughout the session, Hugo showed the skill, tenacity and resiliency that he is so well known for. Ben Sutton saying, “Hugo did so well during the session. I was really impressed with his football skills and how he performed today.”
Hugo showcasing his skills in his tailored training session
As a long-time Sydney FC fan, Hugo was also eager to watch the team in action. After his private session, he kept a keen eye on the A-League Men’s training session, soaking in every moment. His excitement grew as he had the chance to get photos and autographs with some of the players, something he had always dreamed of.
One of the most memorable moments of the day for Hugo was stepping onto the training pitch himself. He was invited to have a kick around and show off his passing and juggling skills alongside the professional players. Hugo’s impressive skills did not go unnoticed, and it was a moment he and his family would cherish forever. For Hugo, it was a dream come true
to be on the same pitch as his idols, demonstrating that despite the challenges he faced off the field, his love and talent for the game remained strong.
As a special guest of the Foundation, Hugo and his family also attended the Sydney FC vs Western United and Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets matches on Saturday night. Hugo and his whole family loved the experience, and it only solidified his love for Sydney FC.
Hugo and his brother with Douglas Costa
Hugo’s journey, however, has not been without its hurdles. In 2023, he made history by becoming the multi-class cross-country national champion. But in a blow to his athletic aspirations, new rules introduced in 2024 declared Hugo ineligible to compete in running events over 400m on the national stage, due to being short statured. This unexpected change in policy left Hugo and his family disheartened. “Sport should be about participation and inclusion, not exclusion,” says Hugo’s mother, Alicia, who has been a constant pillar of support throughout his journey.
This was echoed by Jake Cohen, Sydney FC Foundation’s Programs and Partnerships Manager, “At Sydney FC Foundation, our whole aim for our Sydney FC Empowers Me
programs is to ensure that every person with disability can participate in sport, in a tailored sessions. This is so important to us to continue showcasing that anything is possible and Hugo continues to show this on a daily basis. We certainly wish Hugo all the best in getting the change of policy overturned and will be cheering in Hugo’s corner loudly.”
Hugo and his family with the Sydney FC Foundation Chair, Jenny Abood (second from left), and other Sydney FC Foundation staff
Hugo’s perseverance and resilience are further highlighted by his participation in the Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge. In this remarkable initiative, Hugo ran 3km every day for 10 days to demonstrate his physical capability, despite being told he couldn’t compete on the national stage anymore. Hugo even had the opportunity to run alongside Nedd Brockman during his world record pursuit to become the fastest person to run 1000km.
Hugo’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and inclusion are vital in overcoming challenges. While Hugo may have been told he’s ineligible to compete at the highest level, he continues to show that his heart and spirit are unbreakable.
For more information on Hugo’s story, please read The Manly Observer article here.
