When our Head of Recruitment, Chris, travelled to the border region between Thailand and Myanmar, he expected to gain perspective. What he didn’t expect was how a simple game of football would leave a lasting impression—not just on him, but on all of us.

During his visit, Chris spent time at a local refugee school. Like many schools in the region, resources were limited. Classrooms were modest, facilities were basic, and yet the energy and enthusiasm of the students were unmistakable.

What stood out most, though, was what happened during break time.

The children gathered to play football—but without a football.

Instead, they were using a basketball.

It didn’t stop them. There were smiles, laughter, competition, and teamwork. They adapted, made do, and played with the same passion you’d see on any pitch anywhere in the world. But for Chris, it was a stark reminder of how something so small to us can mean so much to others.

When he returned, he shared the experience with the team.

That story quickly turned into action.

Together, Chris, EMC, and the TukTuk Club came together to do something simple but meaningful: make sure those children had the equipment they needed to play the game they love.

Through collective contributions, we were able to provide:

• Proper footballs
• Training bibs
• Cones
• Team kits

A few weeks later, those items made their way back to the school. Where once there had been a single improvised solution, there was now structure, colour, and the opportunity for even more kids to get involved.

But more importantly, there was a message: people care.

This experience has reminded us that impact doesn’t always require scale—it requires awareness, empathy, and a willingness to act. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as noticing a basketball being used where a football should be.

We’re incredibly proud of Chris, and grateful to everyone at EMC and the TukTuk Club who helped turn a story into something tangible.

Because in the end, it’s not just about sport.

It’s about connection, opportunity, and giving people the chance to play on a level field—wherever they are in the world.