FIVE months on from a car crash that left 17-year-old Ethan Kirkbride with life-altering injuries, Roma has again turned out to support him - in the form of a day of football.

The Kirstin Albeck Memorial 9s, now in its fifth year, raises money for different causes each year, with Ethan being one of the recipients of this year's profits.

While the total number is yet to be tallied, Ethan's family and friends say the support from their town has been exceptional.

His mother, Joanne Liston, said she and her family were overwhelmed by Saturday's turnout.

"If my life had to change, I'm so pleased it happened in Roma," she said.

"We just thought we were a number but they've shown us that we really do count.

"Ethan was very surprised by how many people turned out on Saturday, and he was very grateful."

Ethan's manager from McDonald's Roma, Marc Benson, said he had FaceTimed Ethan throughout the day to make him feel like part of the action.

"He was pretty taken aback by it all," Mr Benson said.

"He's pretty humbled by the support the community continues to give him."

Ethan is continuing to undergo rehabilitation at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, with his family and friends hoping he'll be home within eight months.

"We just take it day by day," Ms Liston said.

"He turns 18 on Saturday, so he's looking forward to getting out of the hospital to get down to the pub. He remains in great spirit.

"Our main goal is just to get him home."