Aston Villa won the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens for a record fifth time on Sunday (16 May) with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Glasgow Rangers.

Villa raced into a three-goal lead and then held off a strong fightback from their Scottish opponents in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Hong Kong Football Club.

Two players with first team experience – striker Nathan Delfouneso and midfielder Marc Albrighton – made the difference for Villa.

Delfouneso put them ahead after just three minutes and Albrighton added a brace to stun a Rangers team who had entered the final without conceding a goal in the whole tournament.

But inspirational Rangers captain Andrew Shinnie – one of the stars of the weekend – netted a penalty on the stroke of half-time and added a stunning second soon after the break to set up a dramatic finale.

Delfouneso and midfielder Harry Forrester both hit the bar for Villa in a frantic last few minutes.

Rangers, for whom midfielder Shinnie finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with eight goals, had to settle for second best again after losing last year’s final to city rivals Celtic.

Villa academy manager Bryan Jones said his coaching staff had come up with a game plan and the players had executed it perfectly.

“We had seen Rangers play and we knew they were very strong in midfield, Shinnie is an excellent player, but we felt we could get at them down the wings and I think it paid off,” he said. “I thought our wide players were excellent, especially Marc out on the right.”

Jones said first team experience was not the only reason Albrighton and Delfouneso stood out during the weekend. “Marc and Nathan have also been to the Soccer Sevens before and that counts because seven-a-side is completely different. You can play in the Premiership and still struggle in this form of football.

“They know how to play it and I think their experience told in the end. We think they’ve both got a great future in the game.

“Martin O’Neill [the Villa manager] takes tremendous interest in the academy players and if I don’t text him in the next five minutes to tell him the result I’ll be in trouble! He’s very keen.”

Jones said Villa, winners of the trophy four times between 2002 and 2008, felt they owed it to the organisers to bring their strongest possible squad.

“We’ve been coming here for eight or nine years now and we’re so well looked after that we almost feel duty bound to bring one or two ‘name’ players to help bring in the fans. It’s our payback to the organisers,” he said.

Albrighton admitted Rangers had made Villa fight all the way. “It was a great team performance,” he said. “We made hard work of it but we got there in the end.

“Rangers beat us in the semi-finals last year so we knew they were a good side. After we went 3-0 up we got a little bit complacent but we saw it out and it was brilliant to get the victory.”

Earlier, Villa were superb in beating Ajax 3-1 in the quarter-finals, Albrighton scoring twice in-between a fantastic strike from Delfouneso. Forrester was the star of their 3-0 semi-final victory over West Ham United, netting the first two goals before Delfouneso tapped in the third after brilliant approach work from Albrighton.

Rangers had exacted revenge against Celtic for last year’s final defeat, winning their quarter-final clash 2-0 with a pair of Shinnie goals. Shinnie was also the architect of their 3-0 win over Sunderland in the semi-finals, earning and converting a penalty and slamming in a free-kick to give his team a two-goal half-time lead, then setting up Rory Loy for the third.

Soccer Sevens debutants Ajax gained some consolation for their quarter-final defeat by Villa when they beat Celtic 2-0 in the second-tier Shield final – Nathaniel Will and Vlatko Lazic getting the goals.

In the Masters Cup final, KFC Tokyo – a team of expatriate amateur players mainly based in the Japanese capital – secured a surprise 2-1 win over the Andy Cole Jura All Stars.

Manchester United great Cole put his team ahead with a lethal shot early in the game – his sixth goal of the weekend – but KFC Tokyo pulled level within a minute with a brilliant long-range strike from Malaysian midfielder Punanseveran.

French striker David Serene scored the winner with a superb solo effort and the All Stars finished with six men after ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair was shown the red card by Premier League referee Martin Atkinson for two bookable offences.

“We’re very happy, we’ve been coming to the Soccer Sevens for a long time so it’s nice to finally win a trophy,” said KFC Tokyo captain Kirk Neureiter. “We lost in the Plate final four years ago so to win the Cup this time, especially against a team containing so many great players, is just a fantastic feeling.”

KFC Tokyo beat Singapore Cricket Club Tigers 1-0 in the quarter-finals and then edged out Hong Kong side Art Gallery 1-0 after extra time in the semi-finals.

The Andy Cole Jura All Stars won an all-Premier League quarter-final, beating the IP Global All Stars 7-6 on penalties. Ex-Watford striker Tommy Mooney put IP Global ahead only for Cole to equalise and with no further goals in extra time a sudden death shootout followed.

Both teams netted all their penalties until former England defender Des Walker slammed IP Global’s seventh spot kick against the post to hand Cole’s team victory.

Cole was on target again in the semi-final, netting in sudden death extra time to give his team a 2-1 victory over the HKFC Chairman’s Select.

A total of 32 teams took part in the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens – 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters. The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

SUNDAY – KNOCKOUT STAGE RESULTS

MAIN COMPETITION

CUP
Quarter-finals: Tai Po 0 Sunderland 3, Aston Villa 3 Ajax 1, Glasgow Rangers 2 Glasgow Celtic 0, Birmingham City 2 West Ham United 3 (aet).
Semi-finals: Sunderland 0 Glasgow Rangers 3, Aston Villa 3 West Ham United 0.
Final: Rangers 2 Aston Villa 3.

SHIELD
Semi-finals: Tai Po 0 Celtic 4, Ajax 1 Birmingham City 0.
Final: Glasgow Celtic 0 Ajax 2.

PLATE
Quarter-finals: Singapore Cricket Club 0 Yau Yee League Select 0 (pens 3-4), Eastleigh FC 1 Advance Double Flower 0, Tuen Mun 0 Hong Kong Football Club 0 (pens 2-1), Happy Valley 0 HKFC Captain’s Select 0 (pens 2-3).
Semi-finals: Yau Yee League Select 1 Tuen Mun 0, Eastleigh FC 1 HKFC Captain’s Select 0.
Final: Yau Yee League Select 1 Eastleigh FC 2.

MASTERS COMPETITION

CUP
Quarter-finals: Gallic All Stars 1 HKFC Chairman’s Select 2 (aet), Art Gallery 2 HKFC Veterans 1 (aet), IP Global All Stars 1 Andy Cole Jura All Stars 1 (pens 6-7), SCC Tigers 0 KFC Tokyo 1.
Semi-finals: HKFC Chairman’s Select 1 Andy Cole Jura All Stars 2 (aet), Art Gallery 0 KFC Tokyo 1 (aet).
Final: Andy Cole Jura All Stars 1 KFC Tokyo 2.

PLATE
Quarter-finals: Southampton Lloyds TSB All Stars 0 Nottingham Forest Mobsters 1, Bangkok Airways FC 0 Kowloon Cricket Club 1, Team Bondi 6 Bexton FC 0, Tai Po Veterans 0 Yau Yee Select Veterans 1.
Semi-finals: Nottingham Forest Mobsters 0 Team Bondi 1, Kowloon Cricket Club 1 (Yau Yee Select Veterans 1 (pens 0-1).
Final: Team Bondi 3 Yau Yee Select Veterans 0.

Further information can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Defending champions Glasgow Celtic will face city rivals Rangers in the quarter-finals of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens on Sunday (16 May) – a rematch of last year’s final.

Celtic were unable to force a victory in their Pool D decider against Birmingham City at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday, having to settle for a 1-1 draw that kept them in second place.

That left the Bhoys facing an early meeting on Sunday with Rangers, who were hugely impressive in topping Pool C with maximum points.

But with none of 2009’s victorious squad back at the Soccer Sevens this year, coach Danny McGrain was delighted with his players.

“Considering every player is here for the first time, I think they have done magnificently well,” he said.

“They have coped with the conditions, the pitch, the rules and everything else. I’m happy just to be in the Cup tomorrow, because these boys are mostly 18, and it’s a great learning curve for them.

“We beat Rangers last year in the final, so we’re looking forward to the game. These players have produced for us so far and they’ll have to do it again.

“Paul Slane is struggling with a knee injury sustained in that last game against Birmingham. He’s one of our best players but he’s a doubt for tomorrow.”

Celtic opened with a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong Football Club but were held to a goalless draw by another local team, Happy Valley, meaning they had to beat Birmingham to top the group.

But Birmingham, who failed to reach the Cup rounds a year ago, proved to be vastly improved this time, beating Happy Valley 3-0 and Hong Kong Football Club 2-0 before comfortably holding Celtic.

Jake Jervis fired the Blues ahead and Richard Towell equalised for Celtic before the break, but neither team could find a winner in the second half.

Four-time Soccer Sevens winners Aston Villa will take on Dutch giants Ajax in another mouthwatering quarter-final clash.

Ajax, making their debut in the tournament, suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong side Tai Po in their Pool A decider.

The Amsterdam club had been irresistible in their opening two matches, demolishing Singapore Cricket Club 4-1 and local team Advance Double Flower 3-1.

Playmaker Ismail Aissati – a Champions League veteran at just 21 – had looked the class player of the tournament as he netted three times in the two matches.

But Tai Po showed they were made of sterner stuff with a solid defensive display and when Pang Chi Kin finished off a classic counterattack in the second half, Ajax were forced to settle for second place.

Ajax coach Pieter Huistra refused to be fazed at the prospect of facing Villa. “We would probably have to play them at some stage in the tournament, so why not the quarter-finals?” he said.

“That last game was a good learning experience against opponents who were defensive and well organised. Tai Po showed exactly how to play seven-a-side against a stronger team – they did very well.”

Villa were never seriously troubled in Pool B, getting off to the perfect start when striker Andreas Weimann hit a classy hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Hong Kong’s Yau Yee League Select.

A 2-0 victory over English non-league side Eastleigh FC and a 0-0 draw against Premier League rivals Sunderland ensured Villa finished top of the pool.

“We played very well in the first two games, we were good going forward, although defensively we were a little bit suspect on the break,” said Villa academy manager Bryan Jones.

“We would like to have won the third game and we hit the post with a couple of minutes to go, but all in all it was very good.

“We’re looking forward to playing Ajax. Technically, they’re a very good side and in their first two games they looked quite a threat going forward. It will be interesting.”

In the Masters competition, a second half goal from former England international Rob Lee rescued the IP Global All Stars just as it looked like they might miss out on Cup qualification.

Lee bundled the ball over the line to secure a precious 1-0 victory over Team Bondi – a side including several ex-Australia internationals – thus ensuring his team finished top of Pool C.

A goalless draw would have left the IP Global All Stars stranded in third place and playing in the second-tier Masters Plate on Sunday.

Lee’s team next face a quarter-final clash against the Andy Cole Jura All Stars, who recovered from their opening night loss to Singapore Cricket Club Tigers in Pool D.

Cole was on target twice in a 3-1 win over Hong Kong’s Tai Po Veterans and opened the scoring after just 19 seconds to send his team on their way to a 3-0 victory over English side Bexton FC.

Former African Footballer of the Year Mustapha Hadji was in imperious form for the Gallic All Stars as they finished top of Masters Pool A with maximum points.

A total of 32 teams are taking part in the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens – 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters. The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

The tournament concludes on Sunday with the knockout stages. Fans who have not yet bought a ticket can gain admission at the gate for HK$120 per adult, while children under the age of 16 are admitted free.

POOL RESULTS AND FINAL STANDINGS

MAIN COMPETITION

Pool A: Tai Po 1 Advance Double Flower 0, Ajax 4 Singapore Cricket Club 1, Tai Po 1 Singapore Cricket Club 1, Ajax 3 Advance Double Flower 1, Advance Double Flower 1 Singapore Cricket Club 3, Ajax 0 Tai Po 1.
Final standings: 1-Tai Po, 2-Ajax, 3-Singapore Cricket Club, 4-Advance Double Flower.

Pool B: Sunderland 2 Eastleigh FC 0, Aston Villa 4 Yau Yee League Select 0, Sunderland 0 Yau Yee League Select 1, Aston Villa 2 Eastleigh FC 0, Eastleigh FC 2 Yau Yee League Select 1, Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0.
Final standings: 1-Aston Villa, 2-Sunderland, 3-Eastleigh FC, 4-Yau Yee League Select.

Pool C: West Ham United 4 Tuen Mun 0, Glasgow Rangers 2 HKFC Captain’s Select 0, West Ham United 3 HKFC Captain’s Select 0, Glasgow Rangers 1 Tuen Mun 0, Tuen Mun 2 HKFC Captain’s Select 1, Glasgow Rangers 2 West Ham United 0.
Final standings: 1-Glasgow Rangers, 2-West Ham United, 3-Tuen Mun, 4-HKFC Captain’s Select.

Pool D: Birmingham City 3 Happy Valley 0, Glasgow Celtic 2 Hong Kong Football Club 0, Birmingham City 2 Hong Kong Football Club 0, Glasgow Celtic 0 Happy Valley 0, Happy Valley 0 Hong Kong Football Club 0, Glasgow Celtic 1 Birmingham City 1.
Final standings: 1- Birmingham City, 2-Glasgow Celtic, 3-Happy Valley, 4-Hong Kong Football Club.

MASTERS COMPETITION

Pool A: Southampton Lloyds TSB All Stars 0 HKFC Veterans 1*, Gallic All Stars 3 Kowloon Cricket Club 1*, Southampton Lloyds TSB All Stars 1 Kowloon Cricket Club 0, Gallic All Stars 1 HKFC Veterans 0, HKFC Veterans 1 Kowloon Cricket Club 1, Gallic All Stars 3 Southampton Lloyds TSB All Stars 0.
Final standings: 1-Gallic All Stars, 2-HKFC Veterans, 3-Southampton Lloyds TSB All Stars, 4-Kowloon Cricket Club.

Pool B: Art Gallery 1 HKFC Chairman’s Select 0*, Nottingham Forest Mobsters 1 Bangkok Airways FC 2*, Nottingham Forest Mobsters 0 HKFC Chairman’s Select 1, Art Gallery 3 Bangkok Airways FC 0, Bangkok Airways FC 1 HKFC Chairman’s Select 1,
Art Gallery 1 Nottingham Forest Mobsters 0.
Final standings: 1-Art Gallery, 2-HKFC Chairman’s Select, 3-Bangkok Airways FC, 4-Nottingham Forest Mobsters.

Pool C: Team Bondi 1 KFC Tokyo 1*, IP Global All Stars 1 Yau Yee Select Veterans 0*, Team Bondi 1 Yau Yee Select Veterans 0, IP Global All Stars 0 KFC Tokyo 0, KFC Tokyo 1 Yau Yee Select Veterans 0, IP Global All Stars 1 Team Bondi 0.
Final standings: 1-IP Global All Stars, 2-KFC Tokyo, 3-Team Bondi, 4-Yau Yee Select Veterans.

Pool D: Bexton FC 0 Tai Po Veterans 1*, Andy Cole Jura All Stars 0 SCC Tigers 1*, Bexton FC 0 SCC Tigers 1, Andy Cole Jura All Stars 3 Tai Po Veterans 1, Andy Cole Jura All Stars 3 Bexton FC 0, Tai Po Veterans 0 SCC Tigers 2.
Final standings: 1-SCC Tigers, 2-Andy Cole Jura All Stars, 3-Tai Po Veterans, 4-Bexton FC.

*Matches played on Friday evening.

Further information about the tournament can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Former England defender Des Walker was a happy man after seeing his team of ex-Premier League professionals win their opening match at the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens on Friday.

The IP Global All Stars edged home 1-0 in a tough encounter with Hong Kong team Yau Yee Select Veterans, former Watford striker Tommy Mooney grabbing the only goal in the second half.

“It’s good to get off to a winning start, that’s the main thing,” said skipper Walker after the Pool C clash at Hong Kong Football Club.

“You forget how hard it is, playing in this heat, and we were a bit rusty. Once we got the goal, we kept the ball and eased ourselves into the tournament. Hopefully we can kick on tomorrow and play a little bit better.”

While the IP Global All Stars could reflect on a well-earned victory, other former Premier League players found the going more difficult.

The Andy Cole Jura All Stars went down to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Singapore Cricket Club Tigers in Pool D – former Singaporean international Nahar bin Daud grabbing the only goal in the first half.

Manchester United legend Cole stayed on the bench until four minutes from time, when he came on to loud cheers from the crowd, but was unable to rescue his team.

SCC Tigers manager Tony Moore was delighted with the result. “We didn’t play well here last year so to come out and get a win like that was great,” he said.

“Obviously when you’re drawn against the ex-pros you’re happy, although you know it’s going to be tough. But even though they had a lot of possession, I thought we played quite well. We’ve got some decent players.”

Bexton FC, who included ex-Manchester City brothers David and Ian Brightwell in their ranks, lost out 1-0 to Tai Po Veterans from Hong Kong in the other Pool D match.

Nottingham Forest Mobsters, with Nigel Jemson and Peter Davenport in their line-up, were another team who found the Soccer Sevens a struggle, losing 2-1 to Bangkok Airways FC in Pool B.

HKFC Veterans flew the flag for the hosts when they defeated Southampton Lloyds TSB All Stars 1-0 in Pool A.

But there were no such problems for the Gallic All Stars in the second Pool A match. They turned on the style against local side Kowloon Cricket Club, with former Moroccan international Mustapha Hadji on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory.

The HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens continues all weekend through to the finals on Sunday evening. A total of 32 teams are taking part – 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters.

The Main competition – which gets underway on Saturday – has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

The Main competition has a strong English Premier League presence with four-time Soccer Sevens champions Aston Villa, West Ham United, Birmingham City and debutants Sunderland.

Dutch giants Ajax are making their first appearance in the tournament and are joined by defending champions Glasgow Celtic and the team they defeated in last year’s final, city rivals Rangers.

A weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) for the Soccer Sevens costs HK$200 per adult while a day pass (Saturday or Sunday) is HK$120 per adult. Admission on Friday evening is free for all spectators while children under the age of 16 are admitted free throughout the tournament.

Details of how to purchase tickets, plus a wealth of other information about the tournament, can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

Results – Masters

Pool A: Southampton Lloyds TSB All Stars 0 HKFC Veterans 1, Gallic All Stars 3 Kowloon Cricket Club 1.
Pool B: Art Gallery 1 HKFC Chairman’s Select 0, Nottingham Forest Mobsters 1 Bangkok Airways FC 2.
Pool C: Team Bondi 1 KFC Tokyo 1, IP Global All Stars 1 Yau Yee Select Veterans 0.
Pool D: Bexton FC 0 Tai Po Veterans 1, Andy Cole Jura All Stars 0 SCC Tigers 1.

About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

West Ham United coach Alex Dyer has twin ambitions for his team in this weekend’s HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens.

The immediate priority is to win the tournament for the first time after several years of trying.

In the longer term, he hopes some of his young squad will follow the Soccer Sevens trend and progress to the West Ham first team next season.

England international Glen Johnson, Anton Ferdinand and, most recently, Zavon Hines all appeared for the Hammers in the Premier League soon after playing in Hong Kong.

“Our aim is to get as far as we can in the competition and try to take the Cup back home,” confirmed Dyer, the club’s reserve team manager.

“It’s a brilliant tournament and we’re so happy to be invited again. I hope that we can give a good account of ourselves.

“It seems that each year we come here one or two of the boys manage to get in the first team the following season so we’d like to see that happen again.

“Zavon Hines is the latest to do that and he’s done very well, he was just voted Young Player of the Year for West Ham. He’s got a bright future, a good attitude and he works hard.”

The HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens kicks off at Hong Kong Football Club at 6:00pm on Friday with matches continuing through to the finals on Sunday evening. A total of 32 teams are taking part – 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

Joining West Ham in the Main competition are debutants Ajax, defending champions Glasgow Celtic and the team they defeated in last year’s final, city rivals Rangers.

Four-time Soccer Sevens champions Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Sunderland – also making their first appearance – complete a strong English Premier League presence.

Villa are keen to win the trophy for a record fifth time and academy manager Bryan Jones is relishing the challenge.

“We always look forward to coming to Hong Kong,” he said. “First, because we’re really well looked after and the organisation is so superb, but also because it’s a good test for the players.

“It’s a different form of football that they’re not used to and playing in heat is a new experience for them. Also, the standard has really gone up in the last five or six years.”

Villa have brought back two members of their 2008 Soccer Sevens-winning team, midfielder Marc Albrighton and striker Nathan Delfouneso – the latter fresh from netting his first Premier League goal last month.

“Nathan and Marc are still young and are still members of our academy, they’ve just had a bit of experience with the first team a little earlier than most players,” explained Jones.

“They were both anxious to come back because they may be playing for England U20s next month so it’s important they maintain their fitness levels.”

In the Masters competition, all eyes will be on the Andy Cole Jura All Stars and the IP Global All Stars – two teams packed with ex-England internationals and former Premier League regulars.

A weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) for the Soccer Sevens costs HK$200 per adult while a day pass (Saturday or Sunday) is HK$120 per adult. Admission on Friday evening is free for all spectators while children under the age of 16 are admitted free throughout the tournament.

Fans can also still book tables for the FA Cup Dinner at 8:00pm on Saturday at Football Club.

The evening will feature the Chelsea v Portsmouth FA Cup final on the big screen and the Andy Cole Jura All Stars will be present to talk about the game and other football issues. Tables for 12 persons cost $10,000 which includes sit-down dinner and free-flowing beer.

Details of how to purchase tickets for the Soccer Sevens and FA Cup Dinner, plus a wealth of other information about the tournament, can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

A fit, focused and in-form Wayne Rooney can inspire England to World Cup glory, says veteran BBC football commentator John Motson.

The broadcasting legend – visiting Hong Kong for this week’s HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens – puts Rooney in a class of his own in Fabio Capello’s squad.

“He’s the best England player of this generation, without a doubt,” says Motson of the Manchester United striker. “He’s head and shoulders above anybody else as an England player and as a world-class player.

“If you remember the last World Cup in Germany in 2006, Rooney was touch and go because of injury, then he finally got back into the team and had to play on his own up front, which didn’t really work, and he got sent off out of frustration.

“So we need to keep Rooney’s fitness, form and temperament under control. He will be a key figure in whatever we achieve.”

Motson believes England’s other main weapon in South Africa will be Capello himself. The Italian, who this week named his provisional 30-man squad, is a man who stands out from his predecessors in the national team hot seat.

“I’ve worked with 13 England managers going right back to Sir Alf Ramsey and I would say Capello is the nearest thing I’ve seen to Ramsey in the way he conducts himself, his stature, his relationship with the players, and his ‘I’m the boss’ attitude,” reveals Motson.

“There are some real Ramsey traits about Capello. Some of the other managers down the years have had their weaknesses – getting too close to players, or perhaps not being able to manage at international level as well as they had at their club.

“But guys like Capello only come along once in a generation and I think the FA did very well to get him. It was an inspired choice after two or three hits and misses that hadn’t quite worked.”

Can England win the World Cup? Motson lists them in his top three contenders with Spain and Argentina. “There’s no question England can win it, but will they win it? There are so many imponderables – injuries, the run of the ball, the little bit of luck they do or don’t get, the fear of a penalty shootout and so on.

“Sven-Goran Eriksson took England to three quarter-finals in major tournaments, but I think we can do better than that.

“I know Brazil are everyone else’s favourites but you’ve got to think, well, who else could do it? I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Spain-Argentina semi-final and that would mean one of them would get to the final and hopefully play England. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?”

Motson says “we” because, after almost 40 years of commentating on England matches, he would love to see them triumph on the big stage and he will travel to South Africa hoping that, this time, they get it right.

The man known as “Motty” to millions of fans might have retired from live football commentary after Euro 2008 but he will still be an integral part of the BBC team stationed in Cape Town.

“I shall be very much studio based, probably appearing on BBC1 when England play, doing a BBC2 highlights show every night that looks back on the day with the likes of Lee Dixon and Gordon Strachan, and doing some radio and BBC website work,” he reveals.

Before all that, Motson – accompanied by wife Anne – is enjoying his first ever visit to Hong Kong and is keen to see the Soccer Sevens.

After a visit to Happy Valley races on Wednesday (12 May) and some sight-seeing on Thursday, he will be the guest speaker at the sold-out Sportsman’s Dinner at Hong Kong Football Club on Thursday evening.

The HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens kicks off at Football Club at 6:00pm on Friday with matches continuing through to the finals on Sunday evening.

A total of 32 teams are taking part, including debutants Ajax, holders Glasgow Celtic and four-time champions Aston Villa in the Main competition, with the Andy Cole Jura All Stars and IP Global All Stars headlining the Masters competition.

A weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) costs HK$200 per adult while a day pass (Saturday or Sunday) is HK$120 per adult. Admission on Friday evening is free for all spectators while children under the age of 16 are admitted free throughout the tournament.

The Sportsman’s Dinner might be sold out but fans can still book tables for the FA Cup Dinner at 8:00pm on Saturday at Football Club.

The evening will feature the Chelsea v Portsmouth FA Cup final on the big screen and the Andy Cole Jura All Stars will be present to talk about the game and other football issues. Tables for 12 persons cost $10,000 which includes sit-down dinner and free-flowing beer.

Details of how to purchase tickets for the Soccer Sevens and FA Cup Dinner, plus a wealth of other information about the tournament, can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

Motson is looking forward to an entertaining weekend and plans on enjoying the Soccer Sevens from the comfort of the stands rather than the commentary booth.

“No one has asked me to do that, thank goodness!” he laughs. “I’m looking upon this trip as a bit of a break before the World Cup and I’m rather glad, actually, just to be myself for a few days. It’s a nice change.”

About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Michael Thomas knows exactly how the players of Chelsea and Manchester United will be feeling today as the destination of the Premier League trophy is decided. After all, he settled the tightest title race ever with the most famous goal in the history of English club football.

“I still get goose pimples when I watch it,” confirms the former Arsenal midfielder about his dramatic strike against Liverpool 21 years ago. “Great memories – a truly special moment in my life. I still have Arsenal fans coming up to me and talking about it.”

You can bet Thomas will be asked about his life-defining moment when he visits Hong Kong this coming week to play in the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens. And, to his credit, he is still happy to relive it, although, as he modestly points out: “It’s nice to be remembered for the goal, but all season and on the night it was just a brilliant team effort.”

A quick recap: it is the final game of the 1988-89 season, Liverpool are hosting Arsenal at Anfield and both teams can win the league title. The game is being played so late in the campaign due to the Hillsborough disaster six weeks earlier, which has caused Liverpool’s fixtures to be re-arranged. Liverpool, who have already beaten Everton in the FA Cup final and are going for the Double, are three points ahead and have a better goal difference. In short, Arsenal need to win by at least two goals to finish top of the table.

Alan Smith heads the Gunners in front soon after half-time but, as the clock ticks down, it looks as if the home team will escape with a 1-0 defeat and hang on to their title. Then in the last minute, Thomas breaks through, collects a lucky rebound and finds himself one-on-one with Liverpool keeper Bruce Grobbelaar as the TV commentator, the late Brian Moore, yells, “It’s up for grabs now!” Thomas coolly clips the ball into the corner of the net. Cue pandemonium.

What was he thinking as he bore down on goal with the eyes of the world watching? “I was just thinking, ‘Come on, Bruce, make your move, show your hand.’ I was waiting for him to go one way. He didn’t do it until very, very late but, when he did, I put it the other side,” says Thomas. “It was a fantastic feeling, a dream finish.”

He continues: “We’d had a great season but everyone was writing us off before the game. We had no chance, they said. So to go into the lion’s den that was Anfield back then and come out with the win was an incredible feeling for us, especially for the homegrown players like myself who had been at the club since we were kids. To win it for Arsenal like that was special.”

Thomas captured the league title with Arsenal again two years later but then clashed with manager George Graham and was sold to – oh, the irony – Liverpool. “Can you believe it?” he laughs. “Some Liverpool fans were glad I joined but others were sick at the sight of me, as you can imagine. And the Blue half of the city were buying me drinks the whole time I was there!”

Thomas did make it up to the Liverpool faithful by scoring in the 1992 FA Cup final win over Sunderland – another memorable moment. “It was everyone’s dream to play in the Cup final. We’d all grown up watching it on TV and, back then, it was considered the biggest game of the season. So to score in the final was an immense feeling.”

With his league and Cup history, Thomas is well placed to offer a view as Chelsea go for the Double – first at home to Wigan in the Premier League today, then against Portsmouth in the Cup final next Saturday. “It looks like Chelsea will win both trophies but funnier things have happened,” he cautions. “Wigan will be up for it and everyone forgets they drew at Chelsea during the title run-in two years ago when Emile Heskey scored a late equaliser. And you could have an upset in the Cup final, you only have to look at Wimbledon beating Liverpool back in 1988. Obviously, there are a lot of fans in London hoping Pompey win!”

Thomas will pull on his boots again when he turns out for the Andy Cole Jura All Stars at the Soccer Sevens, to be held at Hong Kong Football Club from 14-16 May. “It’s a long time since I was in Hong Kong,” he reveals. “I stopped over once with the England youth team and I went there on holiday while I was at Arsenal, but I’ve never played there. It will be great to go back.”

Not that, at age 42, he thinks he will be powering forward in the last minute of a game and calmly slotting home, as he did on that epic night at Anfield two-plus decades ago. “Seven-a-side? On a big pitch?” he laughs. “Well, it’ll be interesting! I’m looking forward to it.”

About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Football and much, much more is on offer in the countdown to next week’s HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens.

Some of the world famous stars taking part in the tournament will not just be playing – they will be coaching kids, meeting fans and enjoying a round of golf with corporate clients.

“We have organised a series of events in a concerted effort to reach out to the community and get Hong Kong’s football-crazy supporters actively involved in the Soccer Sevens,” explained tournament chairman Tony Bratsanos.

“There will be something for everyone to enjoy, from players of all abilities to fans who simply want to meet their idols and hear their opinions on the game.”

The fun started earlier this week with a series of coaching clinics at schools and will continue this Sunday with the Soccer Sevens’ first ever junior tournament, to be held at Hong Kong Football Club and featuring U10s (9:00am to 12:00pm) and U12s (3:00pm to 6:00pm).

Monday will see coaches from the renowned Brazilian Soccer Schools visit Canadian International School to teach kids some samba-style skills.

Then the focus will switch to Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course on Thursday (13 May) when the Andy Cole All Stars will play a round of golf with sponsors – a day former Arsenal midfielder Michael Thomas for one will relish.

“I love golf but I’m not playing the best at the moment!” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting some practice in while I’m in Hong Kong – hopefully in the sunshine. It will be an entertaining day.”

Thursday will also see two of the Soccer Sevens teams – the IP Global All Stars and Dutch giants Ajax – visiting Football Club to conduct coaching clinics for kids from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

The Sportsman’s Dinner with legendary commentator John Motson on Thursday evening is sold out, but fans can still book tables for the FA Cup Dinner at 8:00pm on Saturday (15 May) in the Sports Hall at Football Club.

The evening will feature the Chelsea v Portsmouth FA Cup final being shown on the big screen and the Andy Cole All Stars will be present to talk about the game and other football issues. Tables for 12 persons cost $10,000 which includes sit-down dinner and free-flowing beer.

The 2010 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens will be held from 14-16 May at Football Club with a total of 32 teams taking part, 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters.

As well as Cole and Thomas, the Andy Cole All Stars will include former Manchester United players David May, Lee Martin, Clayton Blackmore and Andy Richie, plus former Spurs and England goalkeeper Ian Walker and ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair.

Goalscoring legend Clive Allen will appear for the IP Global All Stars together with Nottingham Forest and England icon Des Walker, ex-West Ham captain Steve Lomas and former Newcastle trio Rob Lee, John Beresford and Steve Howey.

In the Main competition, Ajax will be making their first appearance in the tournament and will be joined by defending champions Glasgow Celtic and the team they beat in last year’s final, city rivals Rangers.

The English Premier League will be strongly represented by four-time Soccer Sevens winners Aston Villa, plus Birmingham City, West Ham United and debutants Sunderland.

Tickets for the 2010 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens are on sale. A weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) costs HK$200 per adult while a day pass (Saturday or Sunday) is HK$120 per adult. Admission on the Friday evening is free for all spectators while children under the age of 16 are admitted free throughout the tournament.

Details of how to purchase tickets for the Soccer Sevens and FA Cup Dinner, plus a wealth of other information about the tournament, can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Football supporters are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to team up with Manchester United legend Andy Cole at next week’s HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens.

Ten lucky fans will receive VIP treatment throughout the tournament, including sharing a table with the star striker and one of his teammates during a live screening of the FA Cup final. The initiative is being put together by “Celebrity Experience” company Red Packet in conjunction with Soccer Sevens organisers.

“This is a unique opportunity to watch the FA Cup final with a genuine football superstar, a United great who won the trophy twice as a player,” said Red Packet managing director Gérard Bélicha. “We are delighted to bring this fantastic Celebrity Experience to Hong Kong football fans for them to enjoy with their family and friends.”

The package for 10 people includes:

• VIP tickets to all three days of the Soccer Sevens, including free-flowing food and drinks.
• Walking on to the pitch with the Andy Cole All Stars before one of their games.
• Sharing a table with Cole and a teammate at the FA Cup Dinner – with a complimentary jeroboam of Champagne – and hearing their thoughts on the Chelsea v Portsmouth final.
• Each receiving a Manchester United shirt signed by the Old Trafford favourite.

Fans can bid online for the dream weekend by logging on to www.redpacket.hk – bidding will close on Wednesday, 12 May.

The 2010 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens will be held from 14-16 May at the Hong Kong Football Club with a total of 32 teams taking part, 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters.

The Andy Cole All Stars will include former United players David May, Lee Martin, Clayton Blackmore and Andy Richie, plus ex-England internationals Ian Walker and Michael Thomas.

Cole won the Champions League, five Premier League titles and two FA Cups with United in a glittering career. Capped 15 times for England, he also played for Newcastle, Blackburn, Fulham and Manchester City, among others, and he ranks second behind Alan Shearer in the all-time list of top Premiership scorers with 187 goals.

The Main competition in the Soccer Sevens will feature Dutch giants Ajax, making their first appearance in the tournament, together with defending champions Glasgow Celtic and the team they beat in last year’s final, city rivals Rangers.

The English Premier League will be strongly represented by four-time Soccer Sevens winners Aston Villa, plus Birmingham City, West Ham United and debutants Sunderland.

Tickets for the 2010 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens are on sale. A weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) costs HK$200 per adult while a day pass (Saturday or Sunday) is HK$120 per adult. Admission on the Friday evening is free for all spectators while children under the age of 16 are admitted free throughout the tournament.

Tables are still available for the FA Cup Dinner, which begins at 8:00pm (Saturday 15 May) in the Sports Hall at HKFC. The evening will be a chance for fans to meet the stars and watch the big game in a festive atmosphere with free flowing beer all night. Tables for 12 persons cost $10,000.

Details of how to purchase tickets for the Soccer Sevens and FA Cup Dinner, plus a wealth of other information about the tournament, can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

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About IP Global

IP Global (formerly Intellectual Property) sources property investments in emerging and recovering markets. The company has a unique approach; assisting clients in constructing a property investment portfolio tailored to their specific investment strategy and budget. IP Global focuses not only on where to invest but also removes the difficulties that independent investors face when buying property.

IP Global educates investors with the market knowledge required for potential and future investments. The extensive due diligence service provided gives clients the assurance to invest in remote markets which otherwise would not be accessible.

IP Global was launched in Hong Kong in September 2005 and now has offices in Singapore and Dubai to support a rapidly expanding client base and global ambitions. Since inception, IP Global has transacted a total of over US$700 million in property on behalf of its clients.

About Red Packet

Red Packet has developed a number of exclusive gift experience packages, each offering a wide range of experiences across multiple categories including "wellness”, "gastronomy”, "escape: mind and body” and "sports”. These activities have been exclusively developed by the Red Packet concierge team to provide the ultimate gift –a truly memorable experience! All the gift buyer needs to do is select one of these packages, which will then arrive in a beautiful designer gift box that contains information on the many different experiences the recipient can choose from.

Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.