A brave eight-year-old Adelaide boy is facing his fourth relapse of a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, but his local community has shown he’s not fighting alone.

Xavier Pudovkin has spent more than half his life battling neuroblastoma since he was first diagnosed at just three years old. Now facing another relapse, he’s once again enduring intensive treatment.

“At the moment he’s going through radiation. So he goes to the hospital in the morning and then goes to school after,” mum Danielle Pudovkin said.

The Houghton District’s footy club turned out in force for their toughest little teammate, with Year 12 students Luke Hayter and Oliver Peck organising a special community round to raise money for Xavier’s cancer treatment.

“He’s been a fighter. He hasn’t given up at all. Always up at the club smiling and kicking goals,” they said.

Despite wet weather, supporters came out in droves, with raffles, stalls and volunteers braving the conditions for the cause.

Half of the Pudovkin family flew to the United States last month where Xavier’s life-saving treatment is available. But each trip costs tens of thousands of dollars, leaving the family to fundraise every step of the way.

“Having community support and having everyone rub their arms around us, it means so much,” Danielle said.