With 2 months and 10 days before the Vietnam Swans’ inaugural appearance at the Asian Championships we need to take stock. We need to draw breath because… there’s a chance this could be the most important weekend in our important lives. 

Background. Approximately 10 teams fromAsia will compete in these Championships. It will be the first time Vietnam has ever joined the Championships. We all have the chance to be a part of history, playing for our country in our first ever Champs on 14 July.

Meanwhile, the Socceroos will be playing in their first ever Asian Soccer Championships since joining the Asian Football Confederation. They will provide the bookends of our Champs with a match against Iraq on Friday 13 July and a match against Thailand on Monday 16 July. Hmmm, that’s big as well so no doubt they will also be excited.

Matchday. The Vietnam Swans may well travel with a fairly impressive Cheer Squad – the Jim Beam Swanettes. Last night, the Vietnam Swans received a verbal “absolutely and will organise” response from Singapore. We’ll have to watch this space to see if it actually eventuates.

Accommodation. We are looking at two options – One of the Novotels for those requiring some of the finer things in life and Soi 7 (eg Maxims) for those on a $20 budget per night. Confirmed accommodation options to be advised very shortly.

Airfares. Phil Johns bought an Air Asia ticket from Hanoi to BKK on Friday 13 July at 21.30 returning Tuesday 17 July at 11.45am for an absolute total of $148 (including all the taxes, departure tax from Hanoi, departure tax from BKK etc). Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeap.

Who is proud, passionate and paid up for the Champs?

• Phil Johns
• Marty Sharples (now in Laos. Also led the AFL tour through northern
  Vietnam last year and gave them a hit out against the Hanoi Swans. Can play.)
• Scotty Stacey (the Little Guy who loves footy as much as he loves to retire. Also loves to train in both
  Hanoi and HCMC)
• Matty Wenkel (Gun Saigon recruit. Officially starts his holidays on 14 July and will now delay his previously planned holidays by several days to spend quality time with the boys)
• Wicked Will (Set Hanoi on fire during his 9 months in town. Returned to
  Sydney to recuperate in January. Now, fully recovered, will fly back to play in BKK.)
• The G Force (So passionate about his footy in Vietnam, this long haired Irishman shifted to Bangkok back in January to ensure he didn’t miss his flight from
  Hanoi)

Who isn’t on the Proud list? It reads like a “Who’s Who”. Heaps of people – like Captain Gus, Micky J, Pied Piper Mick Francis, Growds, Fosters Johnny, Kris, Rusty etc etc. But to make the “A” (“above”) list, you must have paid for your air ticket. Book now so we know exactly who is going to the Champs. We will also get the accommodation sorted. Do you have any other friends who want to come and play or spectate? Socerroos Friday; AFL Saturday; Socceroos Monday…Why wouldn’t you want to come?

It’s amazing. Wherever I go, there’s a real buzz. Everyone I meet seems to be talking about the Asian Champs.

And remember, if you love Aussie Rules… Honk yer horn.

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