When the Game Stops: What MURFF Has Taught Us About Resilience

Sport is everything to our Murph.
It’s where he finds freedom. Focus. Friendship.
It’s his passion, his outlet, and his drive.

So when pain started creeping in, and the sidelines became more familiar than the field — it hit hard. At first, we thought it was just growing pains, but week after week, things didn’t improve. Missed games turned into missed weeks. Training had to stop and then be modified. He pushed through the pain for as long as he could — because that’s what he does. That’s who he is.

But eventually, pushing through wasn’t an option anymore.
He needed help.

After several trips to Adelaide, specialists, x-rays and scans, we finally had a name for it: Sever’s disease — a condition that affects growing kids, causing pain in the heels and making running, jumping, and even walking uncomfortable. Which really does fit with how fast our Murph is growing. 11cm in a 12month period is pretty epic. 

It was a relief to have an answer.
But it also came with some big challenges.

For a kid whose identity is so wrapped up in sport — whose confidence is fueled by movement and momentum — being told to rest, to slow down, to sit out... that’s more than just a physical adjustment. It’s an emotional and mental one, too. The last two weeks he has been able to hit the field again and his confidence is growing fast. The constant trips to Adelaide, missing school and new medical treatments are all things that he takes in his stride. 

Resilience Isn’t Always Loud

We talk about resilience a lot at MURFF — it’s one of our core values. But over the last few weeks, we’ve watched our MURFF live it. Not in a big, dramatic way — but in all the quiet moments. In the acceptance. The patience. The honest frustration. The learning to listen to his body. The strength to cheer on his teammates even when he couldn’t be out there with them. He still rocked up each week and ran water for his team mates. 

This season might not look how he imagined it.
But the lessons? They’re the kind you carry for life.

He’s found new ways to lead. He’s discovered the importance of rest. He’s still showing up — even when it hurts — and that is the heart of what this brand is about. As parents we are so super proud of our Murph.

For Every Kid Like MURFF

To every young person navigating injuries, setbacks, or seasons of stillness — we see you. You are not less because you’ve had to sit out. You are not falling behind. You're building something deeper: grit, grace, and growth.

Sever’s might slow him down for a while — but it won’t stop him.

Because real strength doesn’t just show up on the scoreboard — it shows up in the struggle.