Ryan Kitto was proud to see Adelaide United partner with the CFS Foundation for the Club’s massive double header at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
The women’s team begin the afternoon with a huge semi-final against Melbourne Victory before the men’s outfit host Newcastle Jets.
The day will pay tribute to volunteer firefighter and Reds fan, Louise Hincks, who sadly died by a falling tree while battling a bushfire at Coles, near Lucindale in the state’s south-east in January this year.
Kitto hoped the partnership with the CFS Foundation will increase the awareness of the tremendous work the organisation does and encouraged Reds fans to get behind the cause and donate.
“It’s a big occasion obviously being a double header as well with the women having the success that they’ve had,” Kitto said.
“So it’s a big afternoon for them and an important game for us and also the added importance of partnering with the CFS Foundation and raising awareness.
“Hopefully everyone can donate and we can make a bit of a difference on that end.”
Ms Hincks brother, Tony Brown, is a long-time Reds member, who frequently attends matches with his son and Ms Hincks’ daughters and said Sunday will be a special day to honour her legacy.
“It’s a very special occasion to be able to honour the CFS Foundation and everything Louise offered towards the CFS, and the whole community that’s embraced us,” Mr Brown said.
“We’re all deeply hurting in regards to the loss of Louise, but in terms of the community spirit that the CFS has provided very much resembles what we share as a family here at Adelaide United.
“It was very common to come here on a weekly basis along with Louise’ daughters – we were all very much die-hard fans.
“So it’s a wonderful collaboration to be able to have fun, to be able to honour Louise and her legacy and honour everything the CFS will join in with what Adelaide United does.”
Kitto believed their gritty 2-1 win away to Perth Glory last weekend will certainly give them confidence going into its clash with the Jets.
Adelaide is up to third on the table and Kitto was optimistic the Reds could maintain the momentum they have built.
“I think it’s important we got to two wins on the bounce,” he said.
“Obviously wins bring confidence. I think we had a really good performance over in Perth on the weekend.
“It’s a tough trip, good opposition and obviously they were back in front of their home fans for the first time (since round 1) so it was a big occasion for them.
“For us to defend the way we did and hold on, but also create the chances that we did I thought it was a really encouraging performance and it will bring us great confidence going into this game against Newcastle.”
A consummate professional, Kitto was recently announced as a vice-captain to skipper Craig Goodwin.
The versatile 27-year-old, who is the only Reds player to feature in all 16 games this league season, was delighted to see Goodwin given the armband.
“I play left-back, Craig (Goodwin) plays left wing,” he continued.
“So I’m there to support Craig, he’s the main man and it’s going to be a similar role here with the Club.
“I love Craig, we get along really well off the field so I’m excited to be working with him and under him and just support him in any way I can.
“And make sure the Club moves forward in the direction we both want to and Carl (Veart) and Ross (Aloisi) want to.”
