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Up Pohnpei

Leading the ultimate football underdogs to glory
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( 622 ratings, 59 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Up Pohnpei by Paul Watson is an adventurous memoir about the author’s quest to lead Pohnpei, a small Pacific island, to football glory. Watson recounts his journey, from initially leaving England to embrace the vibrant culture and challenges of coaching a national team in an unfamiliar land. The story is both humorous and poignant, capturing the essence of pushing boundaries while keeping the joy of football at its heart.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by inspiring tales of adventure and the power of sport to unite people. This travel and adventure account captures the challenges and perseverance involved in bringing football to a remote Pacific island, blending cultural exploration with the spirit of teamwork and determination.

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Up Pohnpei

Penguins Stopped Play meets Cool Runnings in this hilarious and uplifting true story of footballing triumph against all the odds, set on a Pacific island.

Penguins Stopped Play meets Cool Runnings in this hilarious and uplifting true story of footballing triumph against all the odds, set on a Pacific island.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

After one too many late night discussions, football journalist Paul Watson and his mate Matthew Conrad decide to find the world's worst national team, become naturalised citizens of that country and play for them - achieving their joint boyhood dream of playing international football and winning a 'cap'. They are thrilled when Wikipedia leads them to Pohnpei, a tiny, remote island in the Pacific whose long-defunct football team is described as 'the weakest in the world'.

They contact Pohnpei's Football Association and discover what it needs most urgently is leadership. So Paul and Matt travel thousands of miles, leaving behind jobs, families and girlfriends to train a rag-tag bunch of novice footballers who barely understand the rules of the game.

Up Pohnpei tells the story of their quest to coach the team and eventually, organise an international fixture - Pohnpei's first since a 16-1 defeat many years ago. With no funding, a population whose obesity rate is 90 percent and toad-infested facilities in one of the world's wettest climates, their journey is beset by obstacles from the outset.

Part travelogue, part quest, Up Pohnpei shows how the passion and determination of two young men can change the face of football - and the lives of total strangers - on the other side of the world.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Up Pohnpei by Paul Watson is praised for capturing the true spirit of football by bringing people together, and it is filled with charm, passion, and warmth. The book is noted as a refreshing contrast to the commercialism in modern football, combining humour and an enjoyable storytelling style. Reviewers describe it as a must-read that stands out in the football literature landscape, offering an antidote to the cynical aspects of the sport at its highest levels.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781846685026

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 February 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 200g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Paul Watson is the youngest international football coach in the world. Before taking up coaching, he worked as a journalist for Football Italia. He lives in London.

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