Feels like team spirit

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

ETHNIC MINORITIES (EMS) and migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong are faced with a variety of challenges when it comes to participating in sports. Language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to resources are some of the main obstacles they encounter.

“I know so many young and talented football players in our community, my dream for them is to be accepted in more local teams and to get more support from the government in terms of inclusivity and participation in sports,” says Medard Koya, co-founder of All Black FC (ABFC), a community football club comprised of people from all backgrounds, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Through their passion for football and their commitment to service, ABFC aims to inspire, uplift, and transform lives through sport.

Established in 2011, ABFC was formed as a direct result of Medard’s own personal experience of trying to integrate into Hong Kong: “I observed that for some of my African brothers emigrating from their home countries to Hong Kong, it can be tough to fit in. This is what inspired us to create this platform to express ourselves and to use sports and culture as ways to integrate into society.”

ABFC’s mission is to empower individuals, promote social integration, and create positive change through the unifying power of football. They are dedicated to providing opportunities, fostering leadership skills, and making a lasting impact on the lives of those who join the team.

The club is part of Sports For Life (SFL), a non-governmental organisation that provides opportunities for marginalised migrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities through the channels of sports and culture.

SFL is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community through four key areas of development: community sports, leadership training, sports outreach, and social services.

Development of values like respect, integrity, fairness, and sportsmanship are instilled in the ABFC participants, promoting good character, empathy, and respect for others.

“I have witnessed these talented youths become motivated to do well for the society through sport,” says Medard. “Football, like other team sports, cultivates unity, fosters leadership skills, and engages the community.”

Agnes Sordan used to spend her day off doing very little she felt was worthwhile. One day in 2018 whilst browsing on Facebook, a post from Eagles Ladies Rugby Club HK (at that point known as Exiles Rugby Club) piqued her interest. She was intrigued with the sport and decided to send them a message.

Five years on from that moment, Agnes is now team manager for the Kowloon Rays, a ladies’ rugby team comprised of her fellow MDWs. She found her calling through rugby, a highly physical and demanding sport.

“I didn’t used to be able to run very far,” shares Agnes with a gentle laugh. “My cardio wasn’t very good back then – now I am a little bit better!” If you watch Agnes in action, you can’t fail to be impressed by how much power she can exude on the pitch.

But actually, it is the teamwork and collaboration that Agnes found really had a big impact on her –learning to communicate effectively, to cooperate and trust her teammates. “My teammates are like a family to me. We train together, have fun together.

We share the losses and we also share the wins,” she says.

Rugby provides opportunities to interact with other players, coaches, officials, and sponsors from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Building relationships through the shared experience of being in the team can not only enhance social skills, but also create lifelong friendships.

Team sports are a great channel for developing leadership skills. Whether leading as a team captain or simply leading by example, it nurtures qualities such as decision-making, assertiveness, and responsibility.

As domestic workers, these women are often marginalised and discriminated against; this is where team sports can help them gain more resilience. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life, including work, family, and personal relationships.

In 2015, Josie Treyes Arimas started her sporting career by playing softball with her friends opposite the cricket grounds in Mission Road. “I looked over to the cricket grounds and observed them playing for a while; everything about the game is so different to softball, I was interested to learn more,” she shares. Josie is now T20 team captain of the SCC Divas, an all-Filipino women’s cricket team based in Hong Kong (T20 is short for Twenty20, a short-form version of cricket consisting of a single innings of maximum 20 overs per team).

The SCC Divas cricket team was founded in 2017, when retired cricket umpire and businessman, Animesh Kulkarni, observed Josie and her teammates playing cricket. “They were strong batters because of their experience in softball, and I could see their potential in playing cricket, so I offered to help them,” shares Animesh, who now acts as team manager for the SCC Divas.

The team is comprised mainly of MDWs in Hong Kong, and what they have achieved as a young team is nothing short of impressive. They have won the CHK Women’s Development League twice in their first two seasons and are unbeaten in the top division since 2020. Last May, they represented the Philippines at the 2023 SEA (Southeast Asian) Games held in Cambodia, taking home two silver medals.

Being mostly MDWs, the team has faced many challenges. Most of them work long hours from Monday to Saturday; with Sunday being their only day-off, they have to fit in not only cricket practice, but also their own personal and rest time. It is a feat of good time management skills to balance work, family, and cricket. “Playing cricket keeps me inspired and in good health,” says Josie. “I want to encourage my fellow Filipinos to join us, so they can experience being part of a team and also do something worthwhile on their day off.”

Animesh shares that the team are currently looking for new recruits, not only in Hong Kong, but also in the Philippines. “We have approached the Philippine Cricket Association and also the local government office in Josie’s town, to start a cricket team for younger players and develop their skills early. There is so much potential and talent, and we want to encourage that,” he says.

Playing sports is good for one’s emotional wellbeing. Physical activity in team sports releases endorphins, which can enhance the mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The camaraderie, support, and sense of belonging within a team environment can also contribute to improved mental and emotional health.

“Winning the game feels good. When we start playing, we should be playing as one, as a team, and this is where I feel like I am needed as a captain. Some might think I am a bit mataray [blunt], but that is only my passion for keeping the team together,” reflects Josie. “Our commitment to the game keeps the team strong. We definitely need new and committed players, I hope more of our kababayans [countrymen] will join us.”

Animesh sums things up very succinctly: “[Josie] is a tigress in the field, and I mean that in the most admirable way. Her passion for the game is great and I am proud of our team.”