(VOVWORLD) - A group of artists in Ho Chi Minh City have established a football team as a way to get physical exercise, improve their health, and meet other artists. They play on a football pitch at Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City.
 HCM city artists’ football club participate in a charity football tournament. |
At 5 p.m. the day is still hot and muggy, but the singers, actors, and models begin to warm up and stretch their muscles before their game. They aren’t blessed with exceptional athletic ability, they don’t have the strength of professional athletes, but their passion for football is as great as anyone’s.
“I’m excited about going to the park very week to play football. The feeling is always like the first time I performed on stage. Whenever I’m playing, I feel I don’t need anything but football,” said singer Hoang Bach who is a central midfielder.
Singer Tinh Tam, who plays center forward, told VOV how much he loves playing: “Whenever I hear that the pitch has been booked, I try to arrange my schedule to play with the team.”
Behind all the public admiration, the celebrities are just normal young fellows who get excited when they win and are disappointed when they lose.
Huu Son, one of the team’s first managers, said: “The team was founded in 2010 with 32 original members. There are 6 or 7 of those veteran members left now. Some have gotten injured and had to stop playing. The club is open to anyone who enjoys football. Four 11-a-side matches and 2 or 3 7-a-side matches are held each month. The rule is that all participants share the costs. Match schedules are posted on a social network.”
“What I like about this club is playing football and meeting other artists. Life is better when you can be with people who share your passion. It brings everybody closer together,” said Hoang Bach.