Paraguay is getting ready to witness its first-ever Gaelic football match, a historic moment for sport and community, driven by the passion of one man. Mozz Suraphot, a Thai-born athlete who relocated to Asunción, brought more than just luggage: he brought a dream to share a unique game.
Mozz (32) discovered Gaelic football, a traditional Irish sport blending elements of football, rugby, and basketball, in April 2015 through Thailand GAA, widely regarded as Asia’s top team. Since then, he has played at various levels, primarily intermediate. One of his proudest achievements was in 2024, when he helped his team clinch the Men’s Intermediate South Asian Games title in Malaysia.
“When you move somewhere, you lose part of your routine,” Mozz says. “Bringing this sport helped me cope with homesickness.”
Before arriving in Paraguay last year, Mozz worked as a travel agent in Bangkok, enjoying hobbies like whale watching, scuba diving, and trekking. Now, he’s a substitute teacher at the American School of Asunción while pursuing a US teaching licence, expected to be completed by mid-2025.
Mozz Suraphot: Building bridges between distant nations
Determined to share his love for Gaelic football, Mozz rallied friends in Asunción to form Las Arpas de Paraguay GAA, the country’s first official Gaelic football team. The team’s name and logo honour the harp, a national symbol of both Ireland and Paraguay, symbolising a cultural bridge between the two nations. “We usually go by Paraguay GAA, as it’s shorter,” Mozz notes.
Initially, only a handful of players attended practice. Through persistence, word-of-mouth, and with the help and love of his friends Giovanni, Patrick, Dan, Jake, and others, the group has grown. “We now have 16 to 20 active members, training on Fridays at 7:30 PM at the American School of Asunción (Avenida España 1175) and Saturdays at 4:00 PM at Luque Rugby Club, near Silvio Pettirossi International Airport,” Mozz explains.
Paraguay’s First Gaelic Football Match
On 24 May, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Luque Rugby Club will host a landmark event: Paraguay GAA versus Cuenca de la Plata from Argentina, a team comprising players from various clubs. This match marks the dawn of Gaelic football in Paraguay.
“I play Gaelic football at a competitive level, so I’m thrilled to bring what I love to Paraguay,” Mozz says. The club plans to launch a women’s team by June, continue training, and eventually compete internationally.
Building Paraguay’s Gaelic football community
While Gaelic football drew Mozz to the field, Paraguay’s warmth has kept him here. “The people make this country truly special,” he says. “It’s one reason I find it hard to leave.”
On 24 May, this community takes the field and the stands around it for the first time: Paraguay versus Argentina. “The event is free and open to the public. Afterwards, people can try Gaelic football themselves. The day will end with an after-party at Gran Hotel del Paraguay (De la Residenta 902, corner of Padre Pucheau), featuring drinks, music, and no set end time,” Mozz adds.
Above all, Mozz wants everyone to feel included. “Our club is open to all. It’s okay to be nervous, just give it a try. Even if you don’t play, come and join us.” As he puts it: “It’s not just about building a sport; it’s about building a community.”
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