Soccer players don pink socks for a cause

You would expect most children to want an iPad or Xbox for their birthday, but not nine- year-old soccer player James Knowlson.

Instead, on his birthday in May, he wrote a letter to the Great Southern Soccer Association and Albany Junior Soccer Association asking them to dedicate a round in their season to raising funds for the Jane McGrath Foundation.

His birthday wish has come true.

This week's round is dedicated to the cancer cause, for which James has so far raised a staggering $6540.

The Little Grove lad has sold more than 650 pairs of pink socks and organised raffles with prizes such as a tablet from Harvey Norman and a handset from Telstra to help raise money.

James said he was inspired to support the foundation while watching cricket on television.

"When I was younger I loved cricket, as well as soccer," he said.

"I saw one day everyone was wearing pink and I was wondering why, and then I realised why.

"I wanted to do something for the McGrath foundation and hopefully this helps."

James' mum Grace Knowlson said she was very proud of her son's efforts.

"He is really thankful to the local soccer community and businesses that have supported him in raising the money," she said.

"James is phenomenal in the way he gets something and runs with it."

All Albany soccer players will wear pink socks for their matches this week to help raise money for the Jane McGrath Foundation.