Tough Hong Kong Soccer Sevens group a ‘a great learning opportunity' for young city team
A young Hong Kong team has been drawn in a 'group of death' for this year's HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, but John Morling, the local association's technical director, said facing European talent could jolt the city's aspiring footballers into developing their professional careers.
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The Hong Kong U22s will play Leicester City, AZ Alkmaar and hosts Football Club in a men's tournament featuring 16 teams, from eight countries or regions, divided into four groups of four.
'It's great for local players to play against players who might be future Premier League stars,' Morling said. 'They might discover they're not miles away from that level, and realise that if they do more technically, tactically and physically, they could become professionals.'
The Sevens, which will be staged over three days from May 16, also includes a six-team women's tournament, and eight teams of over-35s vying for the Masters' prize.
Morling said his uplifting experiences from competing twice in the Sevens, in his former role as Brighton & Hove Albion academy head, had an impact on his decision to come to Hong Kong.
HKFA technical director John Morling and organising committee member Mia Williams at the draw for the Soccer Sevens on Wednesday. Photo: Dickson Lee
Morling said that for Brighton, and fellow Premier League entrants Leicester, West Ham United and Aston Villa, the Sevens provided a 'completely different technical and tactical challenge'.
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