A Mother Plays Soccer to Cope with Loss

ABC Central Coast

Grief

Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 10:07 am

Louise Farely's son wanted her to play soccer before he died.

In short:

A mother joined a soccer team after her son, who had cancer, asked her to play.

Playing soccer has helped her deal with his death.

A psychologist says sports can help people process grief.

From a young age, Spencer Farely loved playing soccer.

His family was very involved in the Berkeley Vale Soccer Club.

When Spencer got sick, he asked his mom to play soccer.

She was not sure, but he told her to try.

Spencer said, 'You should sign up for soccer, Mom.'

She did not want to, but he said, 'Just try.'

She played goalie, and Spencer watched her.

He wanted to eat a sandwich and cheer her on.

She was better at soccer than she thought.

Her son's words helped her.

After Spencer died, she kept playing soccer.

Her team helped her during a tough time.

If she did not have soccer, she would have been very sad.

Soccer helped her meet new friends.

The soccer club supported her family.

Spencer was a great person who played and coached soccer.

He seemed older than he was.

The Farley family has been part of the soccer club for a long time.

Sports are good for mental health.

A psychologist says sports can help with grief.

Grief is a hard process that can feel like depression.

Exercise can make you feel better.

Focusing on sports can help you forget your problems for a while.

Exercise can also help you sleep better.

Sleep is very important for mental health.

Soccer helps Louise feel better.

She will keep playing soccer.

Soccer gave her a community and friends.

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