Putting friendship and charity over vanity, members of the Skill360 FNQ FC under 14 Academy team went under the razor at Raintrees Shopping Centre earlier this month to support an ill teammate.

Local hair studio, 'Enigma Hair and Beauty' kindly donated their services to shave the hair of around 15 players, the Under-14's coach and manager, as well as FNQ FC's senior men's interim coach Joe Fenech.

It was the culmination of the 'Shave for Rhian' campaign – more than a month of fundraising for 13-year-old clubmate Rhian Docherty who was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumour earlier this year and is currently receiving specialist treatment in Brisbane.

"The idea came from when our friend and teammate Rhian Docherty got cancer and Chilli (teammate Ben Chilcott) got us together and asked us if we wanted to shave our heads," Academy player Chris Doherty-Fisher told FNQ FC Media.

"We all though it was a great idea, we did some fundraising and now it's a reality."

Interim NPL seniors coach, Joe Fenech was first to lose his locks. After the rather quick cut, Fenech laughed off the jokes at his new 'do and said he was even keen for another shave soon.

"The young kids are having a ball, it's for a great cause and I hope it grows back quick and we can do it again and we can raise some more (funds)," Fenech said.

Academy Coach Mick Thomas looked 10 years younger after shaving the beard he'd had for more than a decade.

The Heat's National Premier Leagues players were in attendance to give their support - Heat's FNQ Premier League Captain, Luke Paron and Club Director Sam Nucifora also joined the Academy players, sitting in the shaving chair.

It's estimated more than five thousand dollars has been raised in the 'Shave for Rhian' campaign.

The FNQ FC Under 14 team is now looking drastically different to their team photo, but 'Shave for Rhian' organiser Ben Chilcott says supporting their mate is well worth being a little lighter on top.

"I think most of us are due for a haircut anyway and I think it may make us a bit faster on the field."

Ben and the FNQ FC Academy players are asking the public to show their support by donating to the Rhian Docherty Community Account – ECU Australia, BSB 654019, Account 341462 (donations are not tax-deductable).

 

Words and Image: FNQ FC Media