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Up Pohnpei: Leading the ultimate football underdogs to glory Paperback – 21 Feb. 2013

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 200 ratings

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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.

Product description

Review

This book is brilliant. It embodies the true spirit of football: to bring people together -- James Corden

Full of charm and pathos ... funny without being condescending or smug, it's a refreshing counterpoint to the commercial excesses of the English Premiership. ―
The Big Issue

In a market saturated with in-depth analyses of how money rules the game, sitting alongside prematurely-released autobiographies from prima donnas,
Up Pohnpei stands out as a shining beacon of football literature. Up Pohnpei is the must-read football book of 2012. ― ESPN Soccernet

Filled with passion and warmth ―
FourFourTwo

Light, funny, enjoyably punchy ―
Sport Magazine

A fascinating story told well. It offers in its joviality an antidote to the cynical corporate interests that have overtaken the game at the highest level. For those who enjoy football books that charm and enliven, Up Pohnpei is a must-read ―
When Saturday Comes

Charm by the bucketload ―
Leicester Mercury

Book Description

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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Profile Books; Main edition (21 Feb. 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1846685028
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1846685026
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13 x 1.2 x 23.4 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 200 ratings

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Paul Watson
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
200 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe the story as heartwarming, relatable, and uplifting. The book is described as well-written with moments of humor. Readers appreciate the insights it provides into a new part of the world and the power of sports to unite people.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

25 customers mention ‘Readability’25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They describe it as a genuine page-turner that keeps them hooked from start to finish.

"...This book is a wonderful read about an epic story that hooked me to the extent that I read the final chapters in a hurry to discover the outcome of..." Read more

"...angst as he tries to overcome the obstacles in his way, it's a superbly written book, and one that can be enjoyed by all, not just the football fans..." Read more

"...The book is a genuine page turner to me, did they win? Would Brian and Joseph be ok? Who would look after the sport when you left?..." Read more

"...An enjoyable book filled with some moments of real humour and you get a real sense of his desperation at times to try and make things work...." Read more

19 customers mention ‘Heartwarming story’19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heartwarming story. They find it relatable and uplifting, with an interesting journey. The book is described as an inspiring piece of work and a great football story.

"...It tells the fascinating story of how Watson primarily, and at times with Conrad’s assistance developed a bunch of rag tag misfits into a football..." Read more

"An interesting, and unbelievable tale of how football can bring people of all cultures creed and race together. If you love football this is for you" Read more

"...The book to me is a very heartfelt piece; the book becomes a very uplifting story of trials and tribulations and goes from being a story about Paul..." Read more

"...Paul makes it very relatable in that many football fans will have had the same thoughts about being good enough to win caps for some of the world’s..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Humor’10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it well-written and entertaining, with humorous moments and serious points addressed.

"...An enjoyable book filled with some moments of real humour and you get a real sense of his desperation at times to try and make things work...." Read more

"...But, in fact it's a TRUE story, related with humour and charm showing what CAN be achieved with tenacity, resourcefulness and ... did I mention ......" Read more

"...Watson is a hilarious writer but he also addresses the serious points in a mature fashion - FIFA's endless bureaucracy for instance...." Read more

"...stopping and reading bits out to my husband because it was either so funny or really interesting facts...." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Insight’8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and entertaining. It reaffirms the power of sport to bring people together and be a force for good. The book shows how team sports can create lasting friendships and national pride.

"...uplifting read, and reaffirms the feeling that sport and football can bring people together and be a force for good...." Read more

"An interesting, and unbelievable tale of how football can bring people of all cultures creed and race together. If you love football this is for you" Read more

"...Anyway.... The book to me is a fantastic look at the impact of sport and something that all team sports transcend and thats to create a..." Read more

"This is a fantastic book and demonstrates the power of team sports to instil national pride and create lasting friendships for those playing...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Talent level’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the boys' dedication and talent. They praise their strong team spirit and find the book an inspiration.

"...of the players are difficult characters, some are very keen and talented players, some have fascinating back stories, but all are depicted in such a..." Read more

"...Wonderful dedication form the boys and they deserve all the credit and plaudits they get for what they did out there - well done." Read more

"Paul Watson's book is a labour of love and an inspiration...." Read more

"...Just goes to show what can be achieved with hard work and a strong team spirit." Read more

Great football story
5 out of 5 stars
Great football story
Really glad I stumbled across this book. I've been interested in football in the Pacific islands and the true story of two English lads heading out there to coach football was a great read. The book is very readable and I finished it in a few days. As I got towards the end I didn't want it to finish. Highly recommend.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 February 2015
    “They’re so bad that even I could play for them”, is an all too frequent whine from armchair footballers when seeing the likes of Andorra or San Marino take on one of the powers of the European game; or even England. But is that actually true? Paul Watson and his friend Matt Conrad felt that way and wanted to find out if they really could.

    But a bit of initial research led them to the conclusion that even the likes of Andorra were far too good for them; capable as they were of holding the might of Russia to a 1-0 score line. And even nations from the depths of the FIFA rankings like Montserrat had players from a far higher level than they could even have attained. But there were other “nations” beyond FIFA’s reach that were even worse in theory.

    More googling brought Watson and Conrad to the island of Yap, one of the Federated States of Micronesia, who had lost heavily, 15-0, to Guam. But there was a team even worse than Yap. They had won one match in their history, against another Micronesian state, Pohnpei. This was the team for them.

    Initial contact and a viewing of the Micronesian laws around citizenship meant that playing for a Pohnpei national team was quickly ruled out, but the prospect of coaching them became a real possibility. It soon became a passion and so a lot of planning, four flights and twenty five hours later, the intrepid duo arrived in Pohnpei. ‘Though neither of us would admit it, our current state of disillusionment with the scale, pomp and privilege of modern European football added an element of idealism to excitement. We were going to make a difference.’

    Pohnpei may be a scenic island of waterfalls and lush greenery, but it was hot, humid and it rained. A lot. ‘How anyone could possibly train a football team in this climate, where a sunny day can and will turn to a tropical storm with ten minutes’ notice.’ But there is something about the underdog spirit that grips you and once you learn the stories of those involved it can make you yearn for their success, and this book delivers that in spades.

    It tells the fascinating story of how Watson primarily, and at times with Conrad’s assistance developed a bunch of rag tag misfits into a football team. There are many tales of dealing with the cultural differences and political inertia that came with life on a remote Pacific island with barely any football heritage. Funding was non-existent for a sport that was low down the list of priorities, and a steady stream of difficulties faced the wannabe coaches, all of which make the story being told all the more intriguing.

    Efforts to set up a league and to gain sponsorship for a tour to near neighbours Guam are a recurring theme, but it is the personal stories which make this such a vivid and heart warming story. Some of the players are difficult characters, some are very keen and talented players, some have fascinating back stories, but all are depicted in such a way that I was genuinely willing them on throughout. They all responded to their new coaches in different ways, but one particular team bonding trip brought about the desires effect: ‘I had spent weeks trying to win the players’ respect with my professionalism and made slow progress, but after one day of binge drinking I had won them over.’

    I was craving one or two photos to add a bit of recognition to the players who had become so familiar in my mind’s eye, but there are none in the book though I have found a few online to add a bit of context. It’s a genuinely uplifting read, and reaffirms the feeling that sport and football can bring people together and be a force for good.

    This book is a wonderful read about an epic story that hooked me to the extent that I read the final chapters in a hurry to discover the outcome of Pohnpei’s tour matches in Guam. I wanted them to win, I wanted them to taste victory, but regardless of the results, their story had gripped me. This book is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in football beyond the regular, high profile and in your face humdrum of the modern game.

    This review is from my website http://thesportsbookreview.com
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2018
    An interesting, and unbelievable tale of how football can bring people of all cultures creed and race together. If you love football this is for you
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2012
    I initially bought Up Pohnpei for the idea of how funny it would be to give into childhood fantasy's of wanting to play for or coach an International side, and also being a coach myself I wanted to get an insight of what other coaches do, think and feel at times.

    The book initially started on that comedic tone as Matt and Paul, mainly Matt obsesses over the idea of playing football internationally, Paul starts to give into Matt and his own urges and desires to follow a childhood fantasy, and then the guys go from the sane to brave (possibly deemed insane by others,) by giving up a stable life to go and coach the tiny Micronesian Island of Pohnpei football.

    After a first visit to the Island, Paul and Matt realise the task at hand is so much bigger than going over to Pohnpei and coaching a team, they have to set up a whole football infrastructure, to even achieve getting a National team in place. Things don't go Paul's way as Matt has to take a life changing career opportunity. So for the most part of the book the two man army become one, Paul has to do the leg work himself, he does have the help of a very enthusiastic football mad local Dislhan who becomes Paul's biggest asset during the battles he faces in Pohnpei itself. Paul also has bigger battles as he tries everything he can to get funding and aid from various football and sporting organisations and help from the local Micronesian states, but each time he tries he comes across more hurdles, a few of those hurdles are created by the very thing that should help him, FIFA.

    Eventually Paul makes headway and with the return of his good friend Matt, they manage to get the Pohnpei national side to play in their first international fixtures under the pairs tutlage.

    The book to me is a very heartfelt piece; the book becomes a very uplifting story of trials and tribulations and goes from being a story about Paul Watson and Matt Conrad to a story about the Pohnpei players and battles to gain them respect and love throughout their out Nation and in the eyes of the world football. Paul also drags you in, to not only believe in the good he's doing, but you also feel his frustration and his angst as he tries to overcome the obstacles in his way, it's a superbly written book, and one that can be enjoyed by all, not just the football fans among us.
    8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in Canada on 13 January 2019
    Great book.
  • Caniggia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo
    Reviewed in Italy on 16 May 2014
    In inglese ma nn difficile da capire.
    Una storia particolarissima, da film, che 2 ragazzi inglesi trasformano in realtà.
    Emozionante e divertente. Consigliato a chi ama l'essenza del calcio, ai viaggiatori e ai sognatori di ogni età
  • Menkelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on 20 March 2012
    I have never really been a soccer fan (I am an Indiana University Grad, and this is the basketball state!), but I am Pohnpeian/American! I love the island culture and I embrace my culture to the fullest. I was shopping for books I came across this book, read what few reviews it had and thought "ehhhh ill give it a try?" I could not stop reading! I enjoyed the sense of humor through out the book. I enjoyed the details as he describes the people of pohnpei along with the players. I thoroughly enojyed the entire book! I highly recommend it! Thanks!
  • Sam
    5.0 out of 5 stars very inspiring story
    Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2019
    I loved this book. I heard an interview on a podcast with the author and was intrigued. The book did not disappoint. I'm a big fan of soccer and the author's struggle to set up leagues with under represented clubs was inspiring.
  • gwenhwyfar666
    4.0 out of 5 stars Football lovers have another idea for their bucket list...
    Reviewed in the United States on 26 February 2012
    So I was browsing reddit 5 days ago, as I usually do. A film student by the name of Matt Conrad had posted an AMA about how he was a "novice soccer coach that led the `worst team in the world' to their first ever international victory". Football is big in my family - I refereed for many years, up until knee problems got in the way, and my dad still does referee. We all support Nottingham Forest. Understandably, this AMA took my interest and learned that Matt Conrad and his friend Paul Watson flew to a small island in Micronesia called Pohnpei, and formed a team with themselves as coaches. Matt filmed the latter part of their journey (google 'The Soccermen' to find out more), and sports writer Paul wrote and published a book about it, which, to my luck, is readily available on amazon kindle for $9.99.

    It all started out with the two football-mad men wanting to play internationally, mostly for the love of the game and because they weren't good enough to play for England. Or any English team, for that matter. That got dashed fairly quickly upon realising that they would probably need to give up british citizenship to play, and, more importantly, these teams needed dedicated coaches, not players. This led them to Pohnpei, the only place to have never won a game against another country's team.

    Pohnpei, as I mentioned before, is in Micronesia, which, if you didn't know, is also one of the wettest places on the planet. It's raining constantly - the Englishmen thought they knew rain but they had another thing coming. Combined with that, they were met with several financial difficulties as they tried to establish funding (much of it came from their own pockets) and met with a near-infuriating laid-back island attitude towards commitment to the team. I was not surprised to learn that FIFA was an uninterested bureaucratic nightmare that gave them absolutely no help.

    Regardless, Matt and Paul managed to get a decent team together, they managed to form a league, and they managed to get their team to Guam to do a 3 game tour. Everything culminates with that tour - if they are marginally successful, then Guam has pledged funding to get proper fields and an international team for Micronesia going.

    I really enjoyed reading this. It's a great bucket list story for sports fans like my dad and myself. The book itself is fairly simplistically written - but I guess that's to be expected and I don't think it takes away from the story-line too much - it's positively begging to be turned into a big Hollywood movie.

    4/5