Heart and Seoul - Long distance couple unified in Korea
|"I love watching him play - it's my favourite thing to do." Image: Anita Milas
By Andi Phillips
Team England footballer Coby Stickland has one hopelessly devoted fan rooting for him. Cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines is Jennifer Singh, who travelled over 6,200 miles from Arizona to watch her boyfriend compete at the Homeless World Cup in Seoul.
“I’m so excited being here, I love watching him play - it’s my favourite thing to do,” said 22 year old Singh.
The two met at New Year’s Eve in 2022, in Arizona, while Stickland was visiting a friend during a deeply trying time in his life.
“She’s my biggest supporter, always wants to support me, comes to all my games when shes here or back home, and it makes me honestly the happiest person in the world,” said Stickland.
Singh got to witness an amazing sudden death finish for England, but winning or not, she’s just thrilled to be here.
|"It makes me honestly the happiest person in the world." Image: Anita Milas
“He was amazing, I love watching him play,” Singh adds, he’s more than just athletic. “He’s also just so good with his words, but I love everything about him.”
They have managed to make a long distance relationship work despite the obstacles.
“We try and spend as much time as we can, but we both have our own lives. She wants to go to school, I’m willing to make sacrifices, I just don’t have a timeline,” Stickland said.
Distance may just make the heart grow fonder.
“It’s crazy, he’s come so far and I’m proud of him.”
Donate to the Homeless World Cup and keep the ball rolling.
Words: Andi Phillips
Photos: Anita Milas