10 years ago today, the Fulham Badgers left Hong Kong following a trip of a lifetime for 14 of the players and their parents and coaches.
With five fun packed days in Hong Kong filled to the brim, and battling 30-degree heat on some days, the young people and their families took home memories that will last forever.
Fulham Badgers are the UK’s first Down’s Syndrome Football Team, and this trip saw them raise £60,000 in five months, in order to fund the first International Tour made by a UK Down’s Syndrome Football Team.
Day One started with a trip to Harmony Manor, followed by pottery workshops and ball skills sessions before lunch. After lunch they participated in dance and exercise workshops.
Over the next two days, the Badgers had training sessions with two of Hong Kong’s Down’s Syndrome Teams and some of the professional players from Hong Kong FC. They were treated to dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants and even a night at the horseracing at Happy Valley Racecourse.
The fourth day consisted of a tournament against the Hong Kong Dragons and the Hong Kong FC Crusaders. With the Fulham Badgers putting in strong performances and after joining the Hong Kong Teams for their end of season party, the Badgers were awarded gold medals from their new friends. For the last day, the Badgers and their parents took in the sights, before preparing themselves for the journey home.
Now 10 years on… we caught up with four of the players and parents who went on the tour. Ben, Paul and Deryn who are now in their 30s, and Orla who was just 11 at the time of the tour.
Did you make friends with the other players/parents?
Ben – “We were already friends!”
Paul’s Dad – “From my perspective it was my first time with the Badgers since I was unable to make it down to the training sessions. We had a good time and a few of us parents and players used to visit the bar down the street from our hotel and one night the some of players joined in with the locals doing karaoke. While watching the games, the locals brought out jugs of Pimms for the parents - we all agreed it was a bit different ambience to Craven Cottage which is much more a "pie and a pint" location!”
Orla’s Mum – “Orla had joined only a short time before this trip was mooted, so neither of us really knew anyone at the time. The whole experience was a revelation! We got to know everyone very well, and to this day those friendships with other players and parents are still solid.
There was a lovely sense of fun around the whole time. Being able to watch the football practices outdoors in warm weather, sitting in the stands was wonderful, and we had time to chat! We got to know the very humorous, the musical members, and the good (and not so good!) dancers. We were able to help each other out in other ways like giving each other advice”
Deryn’s Mum – “Yes we spent quite a lot of time interacting with the other players and parents. We were made to feel very welcome.”
What was your favourite part of the trip or your best memory?
Ben – “Scoring the first goal of the tournament!”
Ben’s Mum – “Going to the racing.”
Paul’s Dad – “Paul really enjoyed playing on the pitch with the floodlights, the dinner with the opposition after the games and the lunch at the Floating restaurant.”
Orla’s Mum – “So many very special memories! Don’t know where to start! I suppose being hosted for an evening at a very prestigious venue made us aware of just how big a deal this journey was. But equally, being shown around one of their communities for young adults to continue education was a revelation, especially for us as it gave us an idea of what is possible for the future for our kids as they grow up.”
Deryn – “My best memory was meeting people from a different country and trying different food that I haven't tried before.”
Deryn’s Mum – “So many highlights - We had a lot of happy times at the Happy Valley Racecourse and Football Club; an evening race meeting, football tournament, our 'thank you' evening. Our visit to Sir David Tang's China Club was amazing, something we would never have experienced ordinarily. Our brilliant tour guide 'Slim Richard', visits to Chinese Temples, the Floating Restaurant and the tram ride up to The Peak. As well as visiting the Harmony Respite Centre to see how disabled people are looked after.”
What did it mean to you to be a part of the Badgers' Hong Kong Tour?
Ben – “Being part of a proper team!”
Ben’s Mum – “Being part of a group, and not standing out because we are different. It was a great experience, good bonding time for everyone, very well organized. A real life changing experience on so many levels.”
Paul’s Dad – “It was a great trip and was very well organised.”
Orla’s Mum – “Being a part of the Badgers is very special. We were treated so well throughout the trip, by all our hosts and all the Fulham and Down Syndrome representatives. Which let us feel very special ourselves. It has left me feeling very humble that people would do so much for us, and with an abiding respect for all concerned at the time, and since. It was the experience of a lifetime. I’m so happy we had the chance to be there for it.”
Deryn – “It was amazing to be a part of the team; it was fun playing football out in the sun with other people. It was a worldwide experience, thank you for organising the trip I was glad to be part of the team.”
Deryn’s Mum – “It was an experience of a lifetime, which took a lot of organisation, am so thankful to FFC for the opportunity!”