Newcastle United are looking to Paul Scholes lookalike Adam Campbell to inspire them to glory in this weekend’s HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens.

The Magpies’ young striker is small, ginger-haired, talented and – like the terrace chant about the Manchester United icon – “he scores goals”.

Newcastle coach Willie Donachie is looking forward to seeing Campbell and his young teammates in action as the club make their Soccer Sevens debut. “We’ve got a very young team, but that’s why it is important for them to come here and gain experience,” said Donachie.

“Adam Campbell is one for the fans to watch – you can’t miss him and he’s got a fair bit of pace and an eye for goal. Another is Lubo Satka from Slovakia. He’s only 16, he’s still at school, but he’s a gifted defender who is very good on the ball.

“The Soccer Sevens is going to be a fantastic experience for the players, they will learn so much from being here. They will face good players from other countries and they will have to get used to the seven-a-side format and a different climate.

“They will benefit off the field as well in terms of seeing a new culture. Travel does broaden the mind so coming here is an experience you cannot buy.”

Newcastle were the English Premier League’s surprise team this season, finishing fifth under manager Alan Pardew, and Donachie believes that has set the bar higher for his players.

“It means the standard is getting better and it is more difficult for them to break into the first team,” said Donachie. “Hopefully, we’ll be a Champions League team soon, which means we’ll be attracting players from all over the world.

“Having said that, it helps these kids reach a higher standard. If they are playing and mixing with world class players then it is going to make them better players.”

The HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens kicks off on Friday (18 May) at Hong Kong Football Club with matches in the Masters competition. The Main competition begins on Saturday.

Newcastle have been drawn in Group D of the Main competition against five-time Soccer Sevens champions Aston Villa, HKFA Dragons and hosts Hong Kong Football Club.

“We’ve only been here one day and we’re really enjoying it,” added Donachie. “Hong Kong is a beautiful place, the people are friendly and the facilities here at the club are excellent. We’re really looking forward to the tournament.”

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi.

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

Four Chelsea players are looking to complete a unique double as they prepare for this weekend’s HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens (18-20 May 2012).

Defender Alex Davey and midfield trio Lucas Piazon, Archange Nkumu and Lewis Baker were in the Blues team that won the FA Youth Cup last week with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Blackburn Rovers. Now they are part of a powerful squad looking to win the Soccer Sevens as Chelsea make their first visit to the tournament for 12 years.

Piazon, aged 18, has been tipped as a player to shine in Hong Kong. Chelsea had to fight off interest from some of the world’s leading clubs to sign the highly-rated Brazlian. Piazon graduated from the same Sao Paulo youth set-up that produced the likes of Kaka and Cafu and has consistently caught the eye when turning out for Brazil’s young national sides.

The Youth Cup quartet feature in a squad that includes several members of Chelsea’s reserves, some of them on the fringes of the first team. Right-back Billy Clifford has been on the bench for a pair of Champions League fixtures while left-back Aziz Deen-Conteh has appeared for England U19s.

Chelsea reserve team coach Dermot Drummy is promising his team will be serious contenders for the Soccer Sevens Cup. “We will be fielding a strong side – we’re coming to Hong Kong to win it,” he insists.

“Playing in Hong Kong gives our players and staff a taste of representing Chelsea abroad. It’s an opportunity to meet our fans there and it is great to play in new conditions and a different climate. The coaching staff and the players are relishing the tournament.”

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi.

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

The HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens has received a huge boost with the news that Hong Kong’s Major Sports Events Committee has granted the tournament “M” Mark status.

The prestigious “M” Mark label brings with it government funding support plus enhanced local and overseas publicity opportunities for the tournament.

It also means the Soccer Sevens can call on professional advice from the MSEC’s Advisory Panel concerning organisation, sponsorship, marketing and promotion strategies.

“This is a landmark decision for the Soccer Sevens,” said tournament chairman Tony Bratsanos. “The ‘M’ Mark funding and other forms of support will help the tournament realise its potential and become an even more significant event in the football calendar.

“We are extremely grateful to the Major Sports Events Committee for their guidance as we submitted our ultimately successful application. In addition, we are indebted to the Hong Kong Football Association for their staunch support.

“This is a great day for the Soccer Sevens and, by extension, for Hong Kong’s countless passionate football fans.”

The MSEC, which reports to the Sports Commission, is tasked with advising the government on the hosting policy and resource allocation for major sports events in Hong Kong.

It provides a decision-making framework for determining the government’s funding priorities and involvement in hosting major sports events in Hong Kong.

The MSEC launched the “M” Mark programme in 2004 to recognise major sports events and to help them grow and become more sustainable.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi.

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

Tickets for Hong Kong’s matches against Singapore and Vietnam go on sale from Monday, 7 May with fans being offered a discount if they buy tickets for both fixtures.

Hong Kong face Singapore on Friday, 1 June at Hong Kong Stadium (kickoff, 8:00pm) with tickets costing $80 for adults and $20 for children and senior citizens.

They take on Vietnam on Sunday, 10 June at Mongkok Stadium (kickoff 5:30pm) with adult tickets priced at $100 and concessionary tickets $20.

Fans can buy a pair of tickets – one for each match – at a discounted price of $150.

“These matches offer our many supporters and stakeholders two great opportunities in a short period of time to support the Hong Kong team,” said Hong Kong Football Association chief executive Gordon McKie.

“We are encouraging fans to attend both games, hence the discount for purchasing a pair of tickets.

“We have priced adult tickets for the Vietnam match to reflect the fact they are a FIFA top 100-ranked team and the limited capacity of Mongkok Stadium.”

From Monday, tickets can be bought online through Cityline at www.cityline.com or by calling the hotline 2111 5333. Fans wishing to buy in person can do so at Parsons Music – shop locations can be found at www.cityline.com/eng/helpdesk/outlet.jsp.

More details about the matches and tickets can be found at www.hkfa.com.

Vietnam are currently 97th in the FIFA world rankings – and 15th in Asia – while Singapore are 158th in the world and Hong Kong are at 161.

Hong Kong will be looking to build on their emphatic 5-1 defeat of Chinese Taipei on 29 February in new head coach Ernie Merrick’s first match in charge.

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

English giants Chelsea will take on defending champions Kitchee in a mouth-watering group showdown at next month’s HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens.

The two teams were paired together in Group C of the Main competition when the tournament draw was held at Hong Kong Football Club today (24 April).

“It is a fantastic draw, a major highlight of the first two days of the tournament,” said Soccer Sevens chairman Tony Bratsanos. “Chelsea have promised to send a strong team so it will be a great match-up against the Cup holders.

“Kitchee were only the second Hong Kong team ever to win the tournament when they triumphed last year and it is great to see them defending their title.

“The overseas professional teams who come to take part in the Soccer Sevens do not always have it their own way. They have to adapt to the seven-a-side format, the heat and the different environment. And if you have pace, as Kitchee did last year, then you can have a lot of success.”

Fans attending the HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens – to be staged from 18-20 May at Hong Kong Football Club – will be treated to the tournament’s best-ever line-up.

Chelsea are returning to the event after an absence of 12 years while Newcastle United will make their debut. Also featuring in the Main competition will be five-time winners Aston Villa, Sunderland, West Ham United, newcomers Leicester City and Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.

The cream of Hong Kong’s emerging football talent will be on display with two official teams from the Hong Kong Football Association, the Lions and Dragons.

In the Masters competition, Treble winner Teddy Sheringham will make a guest appearance for Discovery Bay while the Ajax All Stars will feature former greats from the four-time European champions.

The Citibank All Stars will feature several former Rangers players in their squad, including Italian defender Lorenzo Amoruso and Scottish midfielders Derek Ferguson and Alex Rae.

Ex-Premier League aces will also appear for the Nottingham Forest Mobsters and another debut team, the Anglo-Scottish Lions.

Following the success of the 2011 HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens, Citibank has confirmed a three-year sponsorship for 2012-14.

“This year is the second consecutive year that Citibank have sponsored the Soccer Sevens,” commented Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer and Country Business Manager, Citibank Global Consumer Group.

“We hope that through this sponsorship, we will help develop and grow the Soccer Sevens as one of the key international sports events by bringing the world’s best teams and renowned players to Hong Kong.

“This way we will generate tremendous excitement for all soccer fans and the general public in the city, and create values for Hong Kong society in the international sports arena.”

A new feature at this year’s tournament will be a Toys R Us Kids Carnival which will include various games, entertainment, face painting, giveaways and many other attractions that will keep children occupied for hours on end.

A wealth of information about the tournament is available on the newly launched official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

OFFICIAL DRAW RESULTS

Main tournament
Group A: Rangers, Sunderland, Singapore Cricket Club, Kowloon Cricket Club
Group B: Celtic, West Ham United, Leicester City, HKFC Captain’s Select
Group C: Chelsea, Kitchee, HKFA Lions, Yau Yee League Select
Group D: Aston Villa, Newcastle United, HKFA Dragons, Hong Kong Football Club

Masters tournament
Group A: Ajax All Stars, Discovery Bay, Yau Yee League Select Veterans, KFC Tokyo
Group B: Citibank All Stars, Nottingham Forest Mobsters, HKFC Chairman’s Select, Bangkok Airways
Group C: Top Class FC, Anglo-Scottish Lions, HKFC Veterans, Kowloon Cricket Club Veterans

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi.

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

Hong Kong have added high-flying Vietnam to their programme of summer international matches.

The teams will meet at Mongkok Stadium on the late afternoon of Sunday, 10 June, with the kickoff time to be confirmed.

The HKFA has already revealed that the Hong Kong international side will host Singapore at Hong Kong Stadium on Friday, 1 June, with a return fixture in Singapore on 15 August.

Vietnam are currently 97th in the FIFA world rankings – and ranked 15 in Asia – while Singapore are 158th and Hong Kong are at 161.

Hong Kong will be looking to build on their resounding 5-1 defeat of Chinese Taipei on 29 February in new head coach Ernie Merrick’s first match in charge.

“Vietnam will present exactly the sort of test we require – an Asian team significantly higher than us in the rankings and with the talent and experience to ask some serious questions of our players,” said Merrick.

“Playing Singapore and Vietnam in the space of nine days presents us with the opportunity to look at options with our line-up and give more game time to different players.

“We’ve stressed before that the national team needs to be playing more regularly in FIFA international windows so I’m delighted these fixtures have been arranged.”

Ticketing details for both home matches will be announced shortly.

HKFA chief executive Gordon McKie added: “We are really pleased that Vietnam have agreed to play us as it is important for the Hong Kong international team to be playing on a regular basis. In so doing, this will help us to develop football within Hong Kong and also build our reputation within Asia.

“We had the option to stage the Vietnam match on Saturday, 9 June, but we did not want to clash with the Chartis Cup rugby match that day at Hong Kong Stadium.

“We feel there will be a significant number of sports fans who will want to attend both events so it makes perfect sense for us to wait until the Sunday.

“With the game against Singapore also confirmed, this offers our many supporters and stakeholders two great opportunities in a short period of time to support the Hong Kong team.’’

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Chelsea have confirmed they will come to Hong Kong next month to make their first appearance in the HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens for 12 years.

The English Premiership giants will feature alongside fellow big guns Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Sunderland, Celtic and Rangers – plus Championship sides West Ham United and Leicester City – in the tournament’s strongest ever line-up.

“It is fantastic news that Chelsea, one of the most high-profile clubs in world football, are coming to the Soccer Sevens,” said tournament chairman Tony Bratsanos. “This is a golden opportunity for their large fan base in Hong Kong to see some of the club’s stars of tomorrow in action in a highly competitive environment.

“Chelsea have told us they are basically bringing their reserve team, so they should be stronger than a straightforward academy side. These will be players on the verge of breaking into the senior squad.

“While Chelsea are famous for their world-class stars and big-money signings, they also have a very strong youth development programme. The fact they have just defeated Manchester United to reach the FA Youth Cup final speaks volumes for the talent they have coming through.”

Chelsea’s sole appearance in the Soccer Sevens came in 2000 when they finished runners-up to Hong Kong side Instant Dict.

This season, their first team are flying high at home and abroad. Chelsea have just reached the FA Cup final, where they will play Liverpool on 5 May, and this week they take on Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

“As title sponsor of the Soccer Sevens, our aim is to bring the truly elite teams to Hong Kong, so we are delighted that a club of Chelsea’s calibre is coming,” said Weber Lo, Citibank Global Consumer Group Chief Executive Officer and Country Business Manager.

“Together with the other great teams who have been confirmed, it means Hong Kong’s famously passionate soccer fans can look forward to a weekend of thrilling entertainment.”

The 2012 HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens will take place at Hong Kong Football Club from 18-20 May.

The Soccer Sevens has earned a reputation as the world’s best seven-a-side tournament where fans can see the stars of tomorrow and legends of the game in one exciting event.

The Main competition features youth and academy teams from some of the top clubs in Europe playing against more senior players from leagues around Asia. The Masters competition, meanwhile, is for players aged 35 and over and features former stars from Europe’s top leagues.

Tickets for the 2012 HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens are on sale and can be purchased online at www.hkticketing.com or by calling the HK Ticketing hotline on 3128 8288. Fans can also buy in person from HK Ticketing’s box offices and Tom Lee Music stores.

All spectators will be allowed into the Soccer Sevens for free on Friday, 18 May, while all children under the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge throughout the tournament. Tickets for adults on Saturday, 19 May and Sunday, 20 May cost HK$120 per day or HK$200 for a weekend pass.

Holders of any Citibank credit card can enjoy a 40 per cent discount off the price of tickets. Further details of this offer can be found at www.hkticketing.com.

A wealth of information about the tournament is available on the newly launched official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi

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

The Hong Kong Football Association today announced the appointment of experienced Australian coach Steve O’Connor as its new technical director.

Formerly head coach of the football programme at the Australian Institute of Sport, O’Connor will take up his new post early next month.

He will be responsible for improving the standard of coaching in Hong Kong, referee development, a range of community and youth football activities, women’s football and overseeing the implementation of elite player development pathways from grassroots football to senior international level.

“It is great news for Hong Kong football that a coach of Steve’s pedigree and experience has agreed to join us,” said HKFA chief executive Gordon McKie.

“His history of achievement in more than 20 years as a coach, with an excellent record of youth and coach development and overseeing programmes for both players and coaches, is exemplary.

“This is an important appointment for the HKFA as we seek all-round improvement in Hong Kong football and it demonstrates our commitment to identifying and hiring the best available talent to help take us forward.”

O’Connor, 57, an imposing central defender who played 44 times for Australia, said he was looking forward to taking up his new role.

“These are exciting times for Hong Kong football and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of a new era,” he said.

“I’ve been very impressed with the ambitious plans outlined by Gordon McKie and the HKFA board and I cannot wait to move to Hong Kong and start what promises to be a challenging but exciting task.”

O’Connor was assistant coach at the Australian Institute of Sport from 1990-94 and then head coach from 1996-2008. In his time there he oversaw the development of players such as Mark Viduka, Kevin Muscat, Craig Moore, Lucas Neil, Vince Grela and Brett Emerton.

He also coached the Australian U20s national team and worked for Sydney FC as technical director and head of youth development.

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Tickets for the 2012 HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens will go on sale from this Monday (16 April), organisers have announced.

Fans wishing to buy tickets will be able to do so online at www.hkticketing.com or by calling the HK Ticketing hotline on 3128 8288. They can also buy in person from HK Ticketing’s box offices and Tom Lee Music stores.

The HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens will be staged at Hong Kong Football Club from 18-20 May.

All spectators will be allowed into the Soccer Sevens for free on Friday, 18 May, while all children under the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge throughout the tournament. Tickets for adults on Saturday, 19 May and Sunday, 20 May cost HK$120 per day or HK$200 for a weekend pass.

Holders of any Citibank credit card can enjoy a 40 per cent discount off the price of tickets. Further details of this offer can be found at www.hkticketing.com from Monday.

A wealth of information about the tournament is available on the newly launched official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi

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