October 7th is Kick-Off Day!

UCCA before a friendly game against a local NGO

It started small, but last year's Charity Football Tournament is now gearing up for our upcoming bigger, better tournament, once again aimed at raising funds for refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong.  This year our team proudly bears the name United Colours of Christian Action, or team UCCA.

Jeffrey Andrews, a CA staff member, says: "I started this programme because I love football, and football language is universal - all you need is a football!"

The UCCA team of asylum seekers and refugees grew so quickly that we had to cap the number of players at 30 adults and 30 children. The children are now coached free of charge by Football for Life, thanks to sponsorship from AC Milan HK Soccer School.

Wearing their own UCCA uniform (with each individual’s name printed on it) was a significant step in restoring the lost identity of these players.  When they proudly wear their uniforms, and play their superb game, people acknowledge them, and not without reason – they are strong, athletic, highly skilled players. They train passionately because they are proud to be playing for Christian Action, their team, their country and their culture.  The UCCA team is so popular that they are invited to play against other clubs at least twice a week.

Football training creates a great platform for developing social skills and demonstrating the power of teamwork. Early cultural and discipline issues have been overcome and each practice is preceded by a meeting to discuss and resolve issues between players. Jeffrey delegates and rotates various aspects of each practice session to individual team members, thus developing each player’s leadership communication and coaching skills.

This year’s tournament is being co-organised with Football for life and The Vine Church, which plays a key role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong. So come and enjoy the family carnival, bouncy castle, game booths and carnival food. Several corporate teams will be competing for the 1st prize of two airline tickets to Italy and two tickets to an AC Milan game, courtesy of AC Milan HK Soccer School!

There’s still time to raise the $8,888 needed to enter your team so contact us if you have questions: +852 2723 6626 or ckmsc@christian-action.org.hk . It’s going to be a great day!