Worst team in the world wins its first match

A London football coach who flew 8,000 miles to rescue the world's worst team told today of his pride at having led them to victory.

Football journalist Paul Watson and film-maker Matt Conrad travelled to the tiny Pacific island of Pohnpei in Micronesia after finding out that its squad had yet to win a game.

But after their 28-hour flight, the pair discovered that the team had disbanded because of the shame of officially being ranked the world's worst.

Mr Watson said finding suitable players on the island of 36,000 people was a difficult task, as 90 per cent are obese, and the beset by diabetes and problems with alcohol and drugs.

"There is a lack of investment in sporting infrastructure," he said, "and an influx of American junk food, which is why lots of people are unhealthy.

"We built a league from scratch, which was the most fundamental, and difficult, stage." Mr Watson, 27, who is now back in Hammersmith after his 15-month trip, has written a book, Up Pohnpei, about his experiences.

He said he became disillusioned with football after playing semi-professionally in England and realised he would have to travel to make a difference.

"I fell out of love with English football. In this country the footballers held up as role models are the worst kind of role models."

There were only two pitches, one on a steep slope, and the other on marshland, and the squad trained in an old gym above a pig pen.

His brother, stand-up comedian Mark Watson, staged a benefit gig to raise funds to get the new team up and running. But despite difficulties, a last-minute sponsor meant the team could go on an international tour and play their rival nation of Guam - and win 7-1.

"I am really proud. It was their first win and it was an emotional experience," said Mr Watson. "But it was more about showing them they can win, and creating something that would continue to grow."

Up Pohnpei, by Paul Watson, is out now, published by Profile Books