Client News
Kim Pan Gon looking forward to youth tournament
Hong Kong, 20 January 2012 - Hong Kong’s newly appointed National Academy Coach, Kim Pan Gon, is excited about seeing some of his young players in action for the first time next week.
Kim’s first competition since taking up his post will see him supervise Hong Kong’s U14s and U17s in the HKFA International Youth Invitation Tournament 2012.
“This tournament is a vital part of the pathway we are building for young players to progress through the ranks to senior football and is a chance for us to assess our U14s and U17s players in a competitive environment,” he said.
“It will be an important learning experience for these youngsters and give them an indication of the standards required – on and off the pitch – to play international football.
“There promises to be some excellent football over the three days and we hope fans will come along and show their support for the next generation of Hong Kong players.”
Korean Kim is a familiar figure to Hong Kong fans after playing in the territory from 2000-04 and later managing South China and then the national squad.
In his new role with the Hong Kong Football Association, he is responsible for the identification, development and coaching of all players aged 18 and below.
“There has never been any shortage of talented young players in Hong Kong but they need to be given the right environment, training and facilities to maximise their potential,” he added. “It cannot be done overnight but myself and my staff are totally committed to improving player development.
“These are exciting times for Hong Kong football with major changes to the management and coaching structure and I’m excited about being so closely involved.”
The HKFA International Youth Invitation Tournament 2012, to be played from 27-29 January at Po Kong Village Road Park in Diamond Hill, will see some of the territory’s top teenage players take on their regional rivals.
The U17s competition will feature Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Macau while the U14s event will be contested by Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Qingdao.
“We are pleased to be able to attract a number of sponsors to help us stage this event including Sun Hung Kai Properties, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Home Affairs Bureau’s Arts and Sports Development Fund, and it is welcome news as we embark upon an exciting new era for the sport here,” said HKFA Chief Executive Officer Gordon McKie.
“Corporate sponsorship is an essential component of football and offers companies a chance to raise their profile, associate their brand with successful events and create a platform for networking and client entertainment.
“We are delighted to welcome Sun Hung Kai Properties into the HKFA family of sponsors and we look forward to working closely with them to make this tournament a successful and memorable one for all involved.”
The teams in each age group will play each other on a league basis.
U17s match schedule
27 Jan: Indonesia v Hong Kong (14:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Macau (14:00, Pitch 2).
28 Jan: Singapore v Hong Kong (14:00, Pitch 1), Indonesia v Macau (14:00, Pitch 2).
29 Jan: Hong Kong v Macau (14:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Indonesia (14:00, Pitch 2).
U14s match schedule
27 Jan: Qingdao v Hong Kong (10:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Thailand (10:00, Pitch 2).
28 Jan: Singapore v Hong Kong (10:00, Pitch 1), Qingdao v Thailand (10:00, Pitch 2).
29 Jan: Hong Kong v Thailand (10:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Qingdao (10:00, Pitch 2).
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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.