Stars of the Future Rise in Hong Kong
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens is set to showcase the future stars of football as it welcomes top talent from academies across the English Premier League, with coaches relishing the opportunity to test their players in a challenging environment ahead of a possible career at the highest level.
Now in its 22nd iteration since its inception in 1999, the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens has emerged as an essential milestone for young players pursuing professional careers. The tournament begins on 24 May at the Hong Kong Football Club and runs until 26 May, showcasing some of the finest young talent in football at Sports Road once again.
In the latest demonstration of the tournament's success in nurturing the game's up-and-coming stars, last year's Most Valuable Player, Omari Kellyman, made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa as the 18-year-old became the latest HKFC Soccer Sevens alumnus to ascend to one of football's grandest stages.
"I loved the experience last year at the HKFC Soccer Sevens and was grateful to be named Player of the Tournament," said Kellyman, who featured as a substitute in Villa's meeting with Manchester City in April. "It was another important stepping stone in my personal development and has helped towards making my debut in the Premier League this season."
The midfielder led Aston Villa to the Main Event title last year and follows in the footsteps of a host of players, including Jack Grealish, Barry Bannon, and Gabriel Agbonlahor, who have graduated to the Premier League after featuring at the HKFC Soccer Sevens, highlighting the event's status as a showcase for young talent.
"The format of the competition, small-sided and on a full-size pitch, takes our players out of their comfort zone," said Sean Cullen, academy director at Fulham, one of six English clubs participating in this year's event.
"It supports their development by testing their decision- making, physical conditioning and ability to perform under pressure.
"The hot and humid conditions and the fantastic venue also help to give our players an experience that is very different from their games programme in England.
"We are excited to play in this season's HKFC Soccer Sevens. Having played in the competition before, we appreciate what a high-level tournament it is.
"There is always a wonderful crowd, and it is great to see plenty of Fulham shirts amongst the fans; I know this support means a lot to our players and staff."
Cullen's stance is backed up by Newcastle United academy coach Chris Moore, who saw his side win the Main Shield in the 2023 event. The club from Tyneside return for the latest edition with designs on reclaiming the title they won in 2012, 2018, and 2019.
"Having gone last year with the group, I know the tournament provides good competition for the players, and Hong Kong is a fantastic place for the lads to experience and a fantastic opportunity to visit such a vibrant city," said Moore.
"The tournament format is good for player development, and they also get experience in unfamiliar weather conditions, with it being a lot hotter than Newcastle, as well as a great atmosphere at the matches."
With a rich history and a promising future, the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens invites fans to witness the emergence of football's next generation at the Hong Kong Football Club from 24 to 26 May. The event will begin with the Masters Event and the newly launched Women's Tournament at Sports Road, featuring games on Friday evening.
The Main Event, which features teams representing Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Leicester City, Rangers, and Japan's Yokohama F Marinos, begins on Saturday, with matches in all three competitions running until Sunday.
Tickets for the event are available at zicket.co with free entry for all on Friday, 24 May, and free entry for children under 5 years old all weekend. Adult single-day tickets cost HKD$150, weekend passes are HKD$250, and Junior tickets (5-16 yrs) cost $50 and $80, respectively. Don't miss the opportunity to witness some world-class football at the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens.
Photos - HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens