INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL AT WHITEHALL LANE ON MONDAY 3rd JULY

There is an interesting game in a few weeks on Monday 3rd July as Chagos Islands face Falklands Islands at the home of South Park Reigate. 

The Chagos Islands National Team represent the territory of the Chagos Archipelgo which has over 60 islands located in the Indian Ocean. The Islands had been home to the native Chagossians until 1973 when the United Kingdom expelled them at the request of the United States who built a military base on the Island of Diego Garcia - Since then only US military and contracted personel have been inhabitants. 

The team were formed to represent the Chagossian disspora around the world and are managed by former Oakwood and Crawley Down boss Jimmy Ferrar. 

They can trace their footballing history back to 2004 when a governing body was founded and a team played in the Crawley and District League until 2010. The original Union Chagossiene De Football was folded in 2012 with the Chagos Football Association formed in early February 2013. They played in the ConIFA World Cup in 2016. 

They have played one game so far this season in May which was a 2-2 draw with Surrey played at Dorking Wanderers. 

The Falkland Islands first played in 2001. This game is a warm up for the 2023 Island Games which is being played in Guernsey from Saturday 8th July through to Friday 14th July. They are in Group B alongside Isle of Man, Shetland Islands and Ynys Mon (Anglesey).

The game kicks off at 7.30pm and entrance is only £3 for Adults.