We are not just talking about the three flights and 35 hours in transit via Bangkok and Paris. This has been a very difficult year for HFCA as we struggled for funds and Chilean visa's. We had planned to send six players and three staff, unfortunately our financial difficulties meant we could only bring three players and two staff. We broke the news to the three players who missed out on Saturday. They were very upset but also understand why they could not go. We promised to redouble our efforts for the 2015 Homeless World Cup and ensure they go to a Homeless World Cup. They promised to come to training every week and give their all for coach Jimmy.
This year as is nearly always the case we had to fight tooth and nail to get the travel visas. For some strange reason it would appear that no country wants Cambodians to visit their country. An epic battle that went that on for weeks involving numerous emails, a mountain of paperwork, phone calls, texts, skype chats involving people in Phnom Penh, Edinburgh, Santiago, Melbourne and Bangkok. At one stage we were told Interpol might have to be involved in the process. At the end common sense prevailed and Jimmy flew to the Chilean embassy in Bangkok to get the precious visa's.
So now here we are and cant wait for the event to start. The players are excited, nervous and happy. A life changing experience is about to happen for these young men. Thanks to everyone who contributed in getting us here.
