UEL - The first Uni in the UK to accept Takraw and allow it to be a sport there, are continuing with it's support. A Few key players / enthusiasts at the Uni will be captaining and running training sessions, lead / assisted by our Head Coach Chang Min Jung. Chang has seen some promise there and sees no reason why they cannot form a team and compete with other Unis or teams around the UK.
In September 2009 The UK Takraw association approached Liam Twomey (UEL Student Union Sports Officer) with ideas of introducing Takraw as a sport in UELs newly expanding sports programs.
He showed great interest and enthusiasm and introduced us to the Football Captain and coach Alex Huelin. We discussed and arranged a place at the freshers fair to showcase and gauge support and interest in Takraw.
At the freshers fair with the help of Chang Ming Jun (Head coach of the UK Association - http://www.takraw-association.org.uk/chang-min-jung-head-uk-coach) We explained and demonstrated this crazy new-ancient sport from asia.
Many students, football lovers AND people not lovers of football, all loved having a go. Most found it difficult at first but were impressed how quickly they improved after a bit of practice. This spurned some skilful show-offs to compete unprompted.
We formed a keepy-uppy tournament and a register of the people interested in playing takraw at uni. We had good support and over 70 signatures of interest. The keepy-uppy competition was won by a potential Takraw star with over 180 kicks. - This may sound small to you, but its trickier than a football! That said, our coach Chang and many Takraw enthusiasts find it easy to keep the Takraw in the air forever!
In addition to the group / section on the UK Association website, we created 'UEL Takraw on face book http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140177423909 this allows the members to communicate and arrange training sessions.
The training has been held in Beckton and will continue into 2010, with the hope and prospect of the UEL Takraw players, playing against other universities across the country.
