Everything that Baesianz FC does is intentional. As the players trickle on to the artificial pitch where today’s Bae v Bae friendly match is taking place, I notice their kits are emblazoned with a tiger motif. I’m told it’s a nod to the animal’s presence across multiple Asian cultures, reflecting the ethnic backgrounds of the team that was established for women, trans and non-binary people of Asian heritage. Their matches begin with a “circle of love”, where they gather to share names and pronouns, reaffirming their community purpose and inclusion of trans players. Today’s friendly game will conclude with a Macmillan Coffee Morning – that partnership, too, is a product of intention.
“We are championing Macmillan Cancer Support because it centres around people’s needs and provides support for those with cancer, which affects a lot of people beyond the treatment itself,” says Nicole Chui, who founded Baesianz in 2022. “As a community, we know the importance of providing safe spaces.”
Macmillan goes beyond what’s expected from a cancer charity. Among its holistic approach to cancer support is advocacy work to influence policy, counselling, and benefits help. Similarly, Baesianz FC offers much more than just football games – it also provides community.
“I’ve never felt more like myself, as someone who’s queer, brown and trans, than since joining Baesianz,” says Logan DiFranco, who moved to the UK from the US. “I’ve never really had the opportunity to play sports with other people of colour. I love the circle of love being normalised. For trans people, it’s usually our responsibility to start those conversations. But in this space, the whole team takes part and makes everyone feel comfortable. And that is really rare.”
However, being a trans-inclusive, gender-diverse team invariably means negotiating hurdles. “There are still barriers to entry,” says Natalie Chui, a Baesianz FC player and founder Nicole’s sister. “It’s getting more expensive [pitch slots can go for £100 an hour] because the demand is high, but women’s teams aren’t always prioritised.” I’m told even booking the pitch for today’s game was a battle – a male team attempted to pay triple the fee to nab the space.
Homemade bakes, balloons and bunting were all on show at Baesianz FC’s Macmillan Coffee Morning
As the friendly match gets under way, that bond becomes as clear as the blue sky above. Players are casually subbed on and off, while thank yous and sorrys accompany passes and fumbles. “The Baes have a huge bond, connected by our heritage and love of football, but we also go beyond the sport. We’re all friends,” says Natalie.
Once the match is over, players begin setting up for the fundraiser. Having received a Macmillan fundraising kit that included balloons and bunting, they festoon the pitch’s goals. Money boxes complete with QR codes were also provided, so both cash and digital donations can be made. Some players have brought homemade bakes adorned with Macmillan motifs and place them on benches, while the hungrier ones make a beeline for the desserts. After an hour of chasing a ball, the brownies taste better than ever.
It’s a Coffee Morning with a twist – there’s not a coffee in sight, and it’s well into the afternoon by the time the festivities begin. But that’s the beauty of a Macmillan Coffee Morning – as long as you’ve got a community, some food to share, and a bit of money to donate, you’ve got everything you need. Since it began in 1990, Macmillan Coffee Morning has diversified into kitchen discos, yoga sessions and even wild swimming meets – so you can do it your way.
The final score is scarcely remembered as excited chatter fills the pitch, with players eating, donating and reflecting on the day. Goalkeeper Feitong Wilde, who recently joined, says: “I almost didn’t join because I was a bit scared. As someone who’s half Chinese, I struggled to find other people from mixed-heritage backgrounds to make friends with. Not a lot of people understand the struggles of being mixed, so it’s nice to connect with other Asian people in the same boat.”
And no Coffee Morning is too small an event; last year, Macmillan Coffee Morning raised £18m in total. It’s a testament to the collective power of community – something that Baesianz FC has in spades.
Want to get involved? Raise money to help support people living with cancer and sign up to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning at macmillan.org.uk/coffee-morning
Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SCO39907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.
