The HKJC Youth Football Leadership Scheme to give six aspiring Hong Kong footballers a wider view of the world

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By Ben Young
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Six talented teenagers will travel to Britain next month to attend a two-week football leadership training camp

By Ben Young |
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Chaudry Hasnain hopes to become a professional player or coach some day.

At the same time the World Cup is bringing the world closer together through football, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Youth Football Leadership Scheme is giving young footballers the chance to showcase their skills and see more of the world.

Six talented teenagers from Band Three schools will travel to Britain next month to attend a two-week football leadership training camp as part of an initiative to promote young talent from underprivileged communities, so that one day Hong Kong can be represented on the world’s biggest stage.

Anson Chan Ka-tsung said getting selected as one of the outstanding leaders is the proudest accomplishment of his young career.

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“I have been training in the programme for six months and to be selected as one of the best, it is proof of my abilities, which I am proud of,” the Cheuk Chuk Shan College student said. “I have a unique opportunity to travel to the UK and see what world-class football looks like.”

Anson, a defender with an “aggressive” style, wants to become a professional football player and represent Hong Kong. The 15-year-old believes this is possible due to his tireless work ethic.

“I put extra effort into football,” he said. “In training, when others are walking, I am jogging. When others are jogging, I am sprinting. I want to improve so badly that I repeat the drills more times than everyone else.”

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Meanwhile, 18-year-old winger Chaudry Hasnain of Bethel High School said Hong Kong is offering more opportunities to young people than ever before – particularly to ethnic minorities.

“I have learned to listen and communicate with my teammates during the leadership scheme. There are no language barriers when it comes to football,” said Chaudry, who hopes to become a professional player or coach some day.

The awardees will travel to Britain for a two week training camp.
Photos: Hong Kong Jockey Club

There are a lot of opportunities for girls, too, said another outstanding leader, Alvin Kwok from HHCKLA Buddhist Ma Kam Chan Memorial English Secondary School.

Alvin’s role models are Hong Kong’s legendary goalkeepers Ng Yuen-ki and Leung Wai-nga.

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“They both have incredible confidence, sophistication and professionalism,” said Alvin, who said she wants to coach other young girls who aspire to become footballers. “They made me think ‘if they can do it, I can do it too’.”

Left wing Godfrey Cheng, 15, said he was “surprised” to find out he had been selected.

“I had put in a lot of hard work, but I was surprised to find out that I had been chosen,” said the Chinese Foundation Secondary School student, who models his game after Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

If you could, what animal would you be?

Chaudry – I would be an Alsatian [German Shepherd] dog because I am big and fast.

Godfrey – I am a lion in my team because I play left wing and do a lot of passing and shooting. I think scoring a goal is a little bit like a lion chasing its prey.

Alvin – I would be a lioness that is extremely aggressive and confident when dealing with one-on-one situations.

Anson – I would describe myself as a cheetah. I run very fast and am very strong. When I am defending, I am like a cheetah chasing its target, running as fast as I can to tackle my opponent.

Edited by M. J. Premaratne

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