Expat football team play at the highest level in Sa Pa

Welcome to our top level football field. Photo courtesy of Fakis Cho Chi FC

Susie Watkins

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of northern Việt Nam, Fakis Cho Chi FC is more than just a football team, although they do love a kick about.

It is a vibrant community hub uniting locals and expats through the love of the game. Since its formation in 2020, this dynamic squad has been passionately working to create new experiences for travellers and foster deeper connections within the community.

With a diverse lineup that includes players from countries including France, South Africa, the UK, Italy, Việt Nam and more, Fakis Cho Chi FC embodies the spirit of inclusivity. They regularly compete in seven-a-side matches against teams comprised of the local ethnic people of Mông, Dao and Tày.

As a spokesman for the team admitted, the locals are very strong, so no surprise then that the squad has yet to win a game and sometimes those matches are perhaps not too overly strict about the timings.

Of course it’s not like that in the premier leagues or the national championships, when, as the Euro’s just proved, every second counts.

But having a ‘kick around’ is something joyful and invigorating, transcending race, age, gender and, of course, ability. Plus in the case of the players of Fakis Cho Chi FC, geography.

But what if you want a ‘game’ and your nearest other team is not in the next road, or even in the same league…but at least twenty minutes away across a vertiginous valley. Well, needs must that if you like your ‘footie’ create your own team.

The team formed four years ago during COVID-19, as a way to stay healthy during the pandemic and has since evolved into more than just a football club.

Fakis Co Chi FC meet twice per week in the Mường Hoa valley, not just to train and play, but also to socialise with the community. After each match the players of both teams will gather to share dinner and drinks, to discuss tactics and strengthen the bonds between teammates and friends.

That community part is extra important when you are in the hills, around twenty minutes drive from Sa Pa.

The club hopes to establish a dedicated clubhouse and has begun fundraising to build a dedicated football pitch and sports area in Tả Van village, for everyone to enjoy.

The line up of super footballing stars of Sapa. Photo courtesy of Fakis Cho Chi FC

The team is proud of its diverse roster of members, who all bring different skills and experiences to the table. From teachers and restaurant owners to hotel managers and online illustrators, everyone plays a vital role in the club’s success.

Former player and founding member Carl Thomas, from the UK, has now hung up his boots, but he designed the colourful team kit, while another captures the action with drone footage. This collaborative spirit is what makes Fakis Cho Chi FC truly special.

With a growing fan page aimed at attracting more players, the team is eager to involve tourists in the action. “We want travellers to experience something different while visiting Sa Pa,” player Jurgie Schoeman, who is the manager of a travel company and comes from South Africa said.

“Joining our matches is a fantastic way to connect with the community and enjoy football in this stunning setting.”

The lands of Sa Pa are a huge draw for tourists. The stunning tiers of rice terraces are not only visually spectacular, they are the heart of the rice industry in northern Việt Nam.

At least three million tourists head there every year, so perhaps within the crowds, there is someone who wants to strike out from the usual tourist path and wants to play some footie?

Though wins may be rare (for that read non-existent), the team has just drawn its first match, 3-3 and their spirit and enthusiasm are unwavering. The joy of playing and forming connections far outweighs the scoreboard. Fakis Cho Chi FC is dedicated to making every player feel valued and included and they welcome everyone—local or visitor—to join their journey.

Once a month, the team travels to neighbouring villages for away matches, fostering friendships and shared experiences through football. Staying in local homestays and enjoying meals with opponents after the game further cements the bonds between communities.

“These trips offer a unique perspective when travelling to different villages” said Louie Lock, another player with the team.

“Instead of feeling like just another tourist, we can bond with other cultures over our shared passion for football.”

Fakis Cho Chi FC dreams big. They envision becoming a global team, or as their line up shows, that is already pretty evident, showing that even small communities can come together to achieve something extraordinary.

“Our club is a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit,” Benjamin Boudard added.

As they continue to grow, Fakis Cho Chi FC invites everyone to support the team, play alongside them, or even bring their own teams for a friendly match amid the stunning rice fields and mountains of Tả Van. This is not just about football, it’s about building lasting relationships and creating unforgettable memories.

Join Fakis Cho Chi FC on their journey and be a part of something special in the heart of Việt Nam, say the team. They insist that there’s a place for you in this remarkable community, whatever your skill level. Find the football team with a high aspirations and an even higher pitch, on Facebook, (Fakis Cho Chi F.C) they will be more than happy for you to join them for a kick about. VNS