Frank at the Victoria Ground (1933)The Frank Soo Foundation
Frank Soo story is one of extraordinary significance.
The first Asian player to play in English League Football, decades before the likes of Park and Son, Frank was also the first and only player of Asian decent to play for the England national football team.
Frank and his teammates leaning out of a plane (1946)The Frank Soo Foundation
Founded in June 2017, The Frank Soo Foundation was set up in his name; to tell his story and to honour his legacy.
Alan Lau, the chairman and co-founder of the Frank Soo Foundation. (2017) by Miguel ViliusThe Frank Soo Foundation
The Foundation has it's roots in the Chinese Community Challenge Cup, which was started in 2010 by the Foundation's Chairman, Alan Zheng Phoon Lau (pictured).
Foundation volunteers (2017) by Laraine BatemanThe Frank Soo Foundation
Alan Lau, Chi Lau and Ban Trinh, are co-founding members, along with Susan Gardiner (author of the Frank Soo Autobiography), and Nelson Cheng.
Jacqui Soo, Frank's great niece, is the honourary president.
Pictured here are volunteers of the Foundation.
Volunteers at the scoredesk (2018) by Laraine BatemanThe Frank Soo Foundation
Like many charities, the volunteers are integral to the operations of the Frank Soo Foundation.
Nemesis players receiving their medals (2017) by Dan ChestertonThe Frank Soo Foundation
The purpose of the tournament is to generate funds for Chinese Community Centres.
Jenny the Director of the Manchester Chinese Centre, whom the Frank Soo Foundation donates to, hands out medals to the winners.
Winners from the 2018 Chinese Community Challenge Cup tournament. (2018) by Amy LeungThe Frank Soo Foundation
It started off with only 16 teams but has since grown to 32 teams. Thousands of pounds is raised every year for various Chinese Community Centres around the UK and their youth clubs.
Winners of the Ladies Cup 2018 (2018) by Amy LeungThe Frank Soo Foundation
The Foundation also wants to get more people active, regardless of ethnicity and/or gender. That's why it hosts a men's, women's and mixed tournaments.
God Squad Vs Tabard FC in the 2018 Final (2018) by Laraine BatemanThe Frank Soo Foundation
Alan said "I feel that we should be creating the perception that football, and others sports, is not only a viable vocation but also helps with health and well-being, as well as helping culturally and integration in society."
Councellor Lu Hai Tian Shaking hands with the finalists (2018) by Laraine BatemanThe Frank Soo Foundation
Councellor Lu Hai Tian of the Chinese embassy is a regular spectator and hands out trophies to the winners.
He is pictured here shaking hands with the players.
Alan Lau giving a speech to the Manchester Chinese Centre's Youth Club (2017) by Dan ChestertonThe Frank Soo Foundation
Alan gives a speech in front of Manchester Community Centre's youth club.
Kenn, winner of the Golden Boot. (2018) by Amy LeungThe Frank Soo Foundation
Alan pictured with Councellor Lu, a VIP from a sponsor and Kenn (of Bravermen), the Golden Boot winner in 2018.
A player watches the lion dance. (2019) by Chi LauThe Frank Soo Foundation
"Asian culture is full of rich and fascinating stories and Frank's is one of overcoming barriers and achieving the impossible. The Foundation wants to promote that story and sports, as well as Chinese Culture." - Chi Lau (Co-Founder).
The Chinese Community Challenge Cup 2018 Highlights VideoThe Frank Soo Foundation
Highlights video from the 2018 Chinese Community Challenge Cup
Jenny Hao of Manchester Chinese Centre giving a speech (2017) by Dan ChestertonThe Frank Soo Foundation
The Foundation actively promotes and donates to various Chinese Community Centres around the UK, including those in Manchester, Birmingham and London.
Tabard FC were the 2018 winners (2018) by Laraine BatemanThe Frank Soo Foundation
The Frank Soo Foundation also wants to start a coaching program and are currently working on plans to promote in and around the China Town area, including Soho.
Interview with Councillor Lu Hai Tian of the Chinese Embassy.The Frank Soo Foundation
Councellor Lu Hai Tian, of the Chinese Embassy, giving his thoughts on the tournament, the foundation and its role within the community.
Tabard FC celebrate as the God Squad misses the goal. (2018) by Amy LeungThe Frank Soo Foundation
"One day we hope to see someone follow in Frank's footsteps and when that happens, we'll be there to support them" - Alan Lau (Co-Founder)
The Frank Soo Foundation would like to thank:
Councellor Lu Hai Tian;
Cade Hannan & Steamroller Productions;
Dan Chesterton;
Amy Leung;
Laraine Bateman;
All volunteers past and present.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.