Hong Kong will host Singapore on Friday, 1 June as they look to build on their winning start under head coach Ernie Merrick.

The international friendly, at Hong Kong Stadium, kickoff time 8:00pm, will be Hong Kong’s second under Merrick after they scored an emphatic 5-1 victory over Chinese Taipei at Mongkok Stadium on 29 February.

They will also play a return fixture in Singapore on 15 August in what will be their first away match with Merrick in charge.

“I was delighted with our display against Chinese Taipei, both in the way we played and the margin of victory, and the Singapore match is a chance to underline the progress we are making,” said Merrick.

“Singapore are 150th in the FIFA world rankings, eight above Hong Kong, so I expect them to give us a tough game and it will be an excellent test for the players.

“I will announce a squad and training programme in due course and, of course, I will keep the clubs fully informed of our plans, bearing in mind that the domestic season is coming to a climax.

“One of the highlights of our victory over Chinese Taipei was the fantastic support we received from the Hong Kong fans and, given that Hong Kong Stadium is a much bigger venue than Mongkok, we’re hoping they will turn up in even greater numbers to give us their exceptional backing again.”

Striker Chan Siu Ki netted a hat-trick against Chinese Taipei while Lee Hong Lim and substitute Chan Man Fai also hit the target to the delight of a near-capacity crowd at Mongkok.

It was an excellent start for Merrick, who took up his role as Hong Kong Football Association head coach in January after a successful career in Australia.

Hong Kong’s international fixtures are taking place against a background of government-backed reform of local football and HKFA chief executive Gordon McKie is looking to the Singapore match for further proof of all-around improvement.

“The Chinese Taipei game was a success both on and off the pitch,” said McKie. “We enjoyed an excellent performance from the team and the fans created a wonderful atmosphere in a near-full stadium.

“It was an extremely encouraging night for everyone involved and sent positive signals to our current and potential sponsors and stakeholders that we are determined to bring about change in Hong Kong football.

“A key factor in this movement is to have a successful national team playing as regularly as possible. The Singapore matches, home and away, are further stepping stones as we seek to re-engage fans and give them a much improved product.”

Ticketing details for the 1 June match will be announced shortly.

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

The Hong Kong Football Association will carry out a “thorough evaluation” before deciding whether to accept an invitation for a local team to compete in the Chinese FA Cup, says CEO Gordon McKie.

The HKFA will also undertake a similar process to investigate reported interest from an unnamed Japanese company about investing in a Hong Kong club.

“For the sake of clarity, I should stress that both these issues were raised at the end of last Friday’s HKFA board meeting under ‘any other business’ and the discussion was very limited as there were no supporting papers issued in advance to allow proper consideration,” said McKie. “It appeared that most of the HKFA board had no prior knowledge of these recent enquiries.”

“In each case, it’s important that the HKFA should carry out a thorough evaluation, obtain as much information as possible and give the issue a great deal of further consideration.

“To retain the trust of our stakeholders and sponsors, the board must be seen to be accountable and responsible and to be adhering to the principles of due process. Ultimately, we will reach a decision one way or another that is in the best interests of Hong Kong football.”

McKie’s comments come in the wake of media reports that the Chinese Football Association has invited a Hong Kong club to take part in the mainland’s FA Cup.

As well as the alleged Japanese interest, some media also reported on the board’s alleged discussions about reform of the First Division.

“Unfortunately, the board was unable to set aside any time last Friday to discuss my extensive paper outlining a possible re-shaping of professional football in Hong Kong and it’s surprising to read these stories in the media,” said McKie.

“I remain hopeful that the HKFA board will re-group sometime next month to discuss a wide range of issues affecting the future of Hong Kong football and, when decisions are finalised, this news will be conveyed to the media, our clubs and wider public through our official channels.

“Until then, with the 2011-12 season nearing a critical stage, it’s obviously disappointing that we will not be able to begin discussions with our clubs and anything else is pure speculation.

“I should state also that leaks of confidential board discussions are extremely unhelpful as it damages our reputation and credibility.

“With the standing of Hong Kong football as it is, the HKFA board needs to do everything it can to regain public trust and attract commercial partners. I remain hopeful that this can happen if much-needed reforms of football in Hong Kong are carried out.”

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

Organisers of the HKFC International Soccer Sevens are celebrating two major successes with English giants Newcastle United confirming they will make their debut and global financial corporation Citibank extending its title sponsorship agreement.

Newcastle will be part of a stellar line-up that will also include their arch-rivals Sunderland, five-time Soccer Sevens champions Aston Villa and West Ham.

Championship club Leicester City will also be making a first appearance while 2009 champions Celtic have confirmed they will once again take part.

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. Ex-Premier League aces will also appear for the Citibank All Stars and Nottingham Forest Mobsters.

Citibank stepped in at the last minute as title sponsor of the 2011 Soccer Sevens and now the bank has confirmed a new three-year deal.

“We are delighted to be able to announce both an extremely strong line-up for this year’s tournament and the new title sponsorship agreement with Citibank,” said Soccer Sevens chairman Tony Bratsanos.

“It is fantastic news that Newcastle United will be making their debut. The northeast of England is a hotbed of football that has produced great players down the years such as Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley and, more recently, Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick.

“Teddy Sheringham, meanwhile, will be forever associated with Manchester United’s Treble in 1999 and fans will remember that he scored in both the FA Cup final and Champions League final that year.

“We are extremely grateful to Citibank for extending their title sponsorship of the Soccer Sevens, an agreement that goes a long way to securing the long-term future of the tournament.”

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

“We are excited to be the title sponsor of this prestigious international sports event for the next three years,” said Weber Lo, Citibank Global Consumer Group Chief Executive Officer and Country Business Manager.

“Soccer has always had a special place in Hong Kong people’s heart and, through this sponsorship, we will bring to Hong Kong world famous teams and excellent players to compete in the three-day tournament.

“This year marks the 200th anniversary of our company globally and the HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens will be one of the commemorative events in Hong Kong.”

It is anticipated that Beardsley, now Newcastle’s football development manager after two successful spells with the club as a player, will be in charge of the squad that comes to Hong Kong. Sheringham, meanwhile, will line up for Discovery Bay with former Tottenham teammates Darren Anderton and David Howells.

The HKFC Citibank International 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. Premier League aces Gabriel Agbonlahor, Glen Johnson, Anton Ferdinand, David Bentley and Marc Albrighton are just some of the young players who first made a name for themselves in Hong Kong.

The Masters competition, meanwhile, is for players aged 35 and over and features former stars from Europe’s top leagues.

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. On Saturday 19 May and Sunday 20 May, adult spectators can gain admission by purchasing a souvenir programme at the gate.

Before the tournament kicks off, former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan will be the guest speaker at the traditional Sportsman’s Dinner at HKFC on Thursday, 17 May.

Tickets costing HK$700 per person or HK$7,000 for a table of 12 will be on sale from 1 April and can be bought through the HKFC or Laxton Marketing Consultants on 35798088.

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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Hong Kong coach Ernie Merrick has identified several promising players to keep an eye on after watching the final of the territory’s most prestigious schools football tournament today (11 March).

Beacon College (Tsuen Wan) – with several young professional players in their ranks – defeated King George V School 7-1 in the All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Football Tournament showpiece at Mongkok Stadium.

“It was a terrific game with some fantastic goals and both teams are to be congratulated for putting on an entertaining spectacle,” said Merrick, who is responsible for Hong Kong’s senior team and the U22s.

“It was difficult for KGV because they were students up against a team containing some full-time players, but they stuck at it very well.

“We already know about a few of the Beacon College lads but, after today, we’ve identified some more players, from both teams, who we can follow up on.”

Beacon College’s line-up contained a host of young players from First Division club Sham Shui Po including six – captain Leung Kwun Chung, Lee Ka Yiu, Lo Kong Wai, Lau Cheuk Hin, Wong Wai and Lee Ka Ho – who are in the Hong Kong U22s squad named by Merrick last week.

The Hong Kong Football Association arranged for the final to be played at Mongkok Stadium as part of a wide-ranging initiative with the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation to improve youth football.

Around 2,000 spectators took advantage of free admission to enjoy the match, which was also screened live by Now TV.

HKSSF Secretary General Kelvin Chung was delighted with the turnout. “It’s been a great day for both schools and for school sports in general,” he said.

“We would like to thank the HKFA for arranging this and we are looking forward to co-operating with them closely in the future in a variety of areas.”

Beacon College led 2-0 at half-time with goals from Chuck Yiu Kwok and Lee Ka Yiu. Midfielder Toby Down pulled a goal back for KGV immediately after the restart with a magnificent free-kick but Beacon College hit back with two quick strikes from Wong Wai and Lau Cheuk Hin. Further goals followed from Lau, Lee Ka Ho and Chuck as Beacon College made their fitness count.

HKFA CEO Gordon McKie added: “Today has been a very encouraging start to our new strategic partnership with the HKSSF and we will be meeting with them soon to build on this initiative.

“Our thanks also go to Now TV for screening the game live, which added to the sense of occasion and was greatly appreciated by both teams.”

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Hong Kong coach Ernie Merrick has today named a 29-man training squad for the AFC U22 Asian Cup qualifiers in June.

The squad includes 18-year-old Sham Shui Po winger Fong Pak Lun, fresh from his senior international debut in last week’s 5-1 victory over Chinese Taipei.

It also contains two other players who featured in the senior squad in the build-up to that match – 20-year-old TSW Pegasus goalkeeper Tsang Man Fai and attacking midfielder Lau Cheuk Hin, 19, from Sham Shui Po.

“There is plenty of time between now and the tournament for us to have a good look at the players and see what they are capable of,” said Merrick.

“We have an expanded squad of 29 but, as with the process involving the senior squad, I wish to stress that the door is still open for other players to force their way in.”

Hong Kong will face North Korea, China, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in Group F of the qualifiers.

The teams will play each other once in a host country still to be determined by the AFC – Thailand is a possibility – between 23 June and 8 July with the top two qualifying for next year’s AFC U22 Asian Cup finals.

“I’m excited about the chance to work with the squad as these are the players on the brink of senior international representation,” added Merrick, who is also responsible for the senior team.

“This will be a good tournament for them in terms of their development. They will learn more about the unique pressures of international football and adapting to an overseas environment.”

Eleven members of the squad are from Sapling, although many of them are on loan from other First Division teams.

The first squad training session will be on Tuesday, 13 March, at Mongkok Stadium, followed by further sessions on 20 March at Sai Tso Wan Training Ground and 27 March back at Mongkok Stadium. All sessions will be from 09:30 to 11:00.

Hong Kong training squad (for AFC U22 Asian Cup qualifiers)

Goalkeepers: Chiu Yu Ming (Sapling), Tsang Man Fai (TSW Pegasus), Felix Luk (Tuen Mun).
Defenders: Cheung Chun Hei, Yuen Tsun Nam, Li Shu Yeung, Chan Cham Hei, Li Ngai Hoi, Wong Yim Kwan (all Sapling), Fung Hing Wa, Leung Kwun Chung, Hung Jing Yip (all Sham Shui Po).
Midfielders: Ngan Lok Fung (Kitchee), Chan Siu Kwan, Lau Cheuk Hin, Lee Ka Ho (all Sham Shui Po), Lau Ho Lam (Tuen Mun), Li Ka Chun (TSW Pegasus), Tam Lok Hin (Citizen), Choi Kwok Wai (Sapling), Chan Pak Hang (South China).
Forwards: Lo Kong Wai, Wong Wai, Fong Pak Lun, Lee Ka Yiu (all Sham Shui Po), Nam Wing Hang, Kot Cho Wai, Tsang Kin Fong (all Sapling), Lam Hok Hei (Biu Chun Rangers).

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Two teams of schoolboy footballers will experience the thrill of a lifetime this Sunday (11 March) when they play in front of thousands of fans at Mongkok Stadium in a match being shown live on TV.

The occasion is the final of the All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Football Tournament between Beacon College (Tsuen Wan) and King George V School.

Admission to the showpiece game – which kicks off at 11:00am – is free and organisers hope thousands of pupils, parents and fans will show their support.

The final is being screened live by Now TV and the teams will be introduced to Hong Kong coach Ernie Merrick and members of the national team prior to kickoff.

The Hong Kong Football Association has joined forces with the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation to make the special arrangements as part of a wide-ranging new initiative to improve youth football.

“It promises to be a fantastic day for these young players and their friends and families, something they will never forget,” said HKFA CEO Gordon McKie.

“Hopefully, they will respond to the special surroundings and the atmosphere generated by a large crowd and raise their games so that we see a memorable final.

“We fully understand that a vibrant youth football scene is essential to the future wellbeing of the game in Hong Kong and that is why we have promoted this match as part of a wider, long-term initiative.”

The Jing Ying tournament began on 12 February with 24 teams taking part in a series of knockout matches at venues throughout the territory.

Beacon College (Tsuen Wan) beat sister school Beacon College 4-1 in last week’s semi-finals while King George V School defeated YCH Tung Chi Ying Memorial Secondary School 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

“The chance to play at Mongkok Stadium has been a huge incentive to all the teams taking part in this year’s Jing Ying tournament,” said Martin Lai, chairman of the HKSSF’s External School Sports Committee.

“We’ve seen some excellent matches so far and Beacon College [Tsuen Wan] and King George V School are deserving finalists.

“We hope that Hong Kong’s famously passionate football fans, as well as parents and pupils, will take advantage of the free admission to Mongkok Stadium to support this final in significant numbers.”

Last month, the HKFA and HKSSF unveiled a new strategic partnership focusing on player participation, improved standards, coaching and refereeing.

The HKFA is keen to improve the player pathway from schools, to youth level, to professional football.

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

Hong Kong kicked off the Ernie Merrick era in style with a convincing 5-1 victory over Chinese Taipei at Mongkok Stadium tonight (29 February).

Striker Chan Siu Ki netted a hat-trick while Lee Hong Lim and substitute Chan Man Fai also hit the target to the delight of a near-capacity crowd.

It was an excellent start for new Hong Kong coach Merrick, who took up the post last month after a successful career in Australia.

“We played very well,” said a delighted Merrick. “It was important to get a good result, but it was more important for us to play with style and that is what we did.

“We were solid at the back, creative in midfield and we shared the goals around – although of course I’m delighted that Siu Ki scored a hat-trick!”

Hong Kong made a dream start with Chan Siu Ki scoring twice in the first five minutes, each time escaping his marker for a simple finish inside the penalty area.

Lee Hong Lim then beat the offside trap and side-footed past Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Lu Kun Chi to make it 3-0 after 16 minutes.

But Hong Kong conceded a goal on the stroke of half-time when a period of Chinese Taipei pressure finished with striker Kuo Yin Hung glancing in at the near post from a left-wing corner.

Chan Man Fai, a half-time substitute for midfielder Lam Ka Wai, made an immediate impact when he ran on to a through ball down the inside right channel and smashed home in the 47th minute.

And Chan Siu Ki, after several near misses, claimed his hat-trick when he side-footed home a low cross from hard-working right back Lo Kwan Yee with eight minutes remaining.

While happy with the win, Merrick sounded a note of warning. “We can’t get carried away,” he insisted. “We have to build on tonight’s result and get better.”

Chan Siu Ki was quick to praise his colleagues. “It was the contribution of my teammates that allowed me to score three goals,” said the South China striker.

“The coach asked us to press the opposition and force them into mistakes and we achieved that. We’ve seen a few new faces introduced into the squad. Under the new coach the team selection is more bold and we have a more attacking style.”

The HKFA is hopeful of organising Hong Kong’s next international in June once the domestic season has been completed.

TEAMS

Hong Kong (4-2-3-1): 1-Yapp Hung Fai; 12-Lo Kwan Yee, 15-Chan Wai Ho, 2-Lee Chi Ho, 20-Chak Ting Fung; 6-Huang Yang, 16-Leung Chun Pong; 11-Au Yeung Yiu Chung (21-Lau Nim Yat, 71 mins), 10-Lam Ka Wai (22-Chan Man Fai, 46 mins), 8-Lee Hong Lim (14-Fong Pak Lun, 56 mins); 7-Chan Siu Ki. Not used: 18-Tse Tak Him, 4-Bai He, 5-Ng Wai Chiu, 17-Chen Liming.

Chinese Taipei (4-4-2): 1-Lu Kun Chi; 15-Chen Yi Wei (16-Chou Victor Zi Hsuan, 72 mins), 4-Lin Cheng Yi, 26-Lee Meng Chian (2-Chen Shan Fu, 52 mins), 6-Chen Yu Lin (3-Chiang Min Han, 81 mins); 9-Wen Chih Hao, 14-Feng Pao Hsing (12-Chan Che Yuan, 27 mins), 17-Chen Po Liang, 10-Hung Kai Chun; 7-He Ming Chan (20-Chiu I Huan, 66 mins), 8-Kuo Yin Hung (11-Wu Chun Ching, 66 mins). Not used: 18-Pan Wei Chih.

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Skipper Chan Wai Ho is calling on his Hong Kong teammates to kick off the Ernie Merrick era with a convincing victory on Wednesday (29 February).

Hong Kong will take on Chinese Taipei in an eagerly awaited clash at Mongkok Stadium (start time, 8:00pm) – Merrick’s first match in charge.

The fixture also takes place against a background of government-backed reform at the HKFA, meaning hopes are high that local football is on the way back up.

“This is an important game for Hong Kong and it is vital we play well and win,” said Chan. “We are approaching this game with confidence. We’re at home and we hope the fans can really get behind the team and cheer us on to victory.

“We are in the middle of our season, so we are all in good shape and ready to play. As a squad we are really looking forward to the match.”

Merrick, the two-time Australian A-League Coach of the Year, took up his new post as the Hong Kong Football Association’s Head Coach last month.

Together with assistants Szeto Man Chun and Poon Man Tik and goalkeeping coach Fan Chun Yip, he has been putting the squad through their final paces in a team training camp.

South China defender Chan said the players had responded positively to the new regime. “Our new coach has brought immediate changes and improvement and the players really feel like it is the start of something fresh,” he said.

“In the past, players were selected for Hong Kong because they were always selected. But now, they are chosen based on their performances for their clubs.

“The players now have a target to play for, fighting for the chance to play for Hong Kong. We are working even harder because we know we have to perform well to stay in the team.”

Tickets for the Hong Kong v Chinese Taipei match – priced $60 for adults and $20 for children and senior citizens – can be bought at Mongkok Stadium from 10:00am on Wednesday.

Almost half of the venue’s 6,500 seats have been sold and the HKFA is urging fans to buy tickets as early as possible to avoid lengthy queues in the build-up to kickoff at 8:00pm.

“We have enjoyed brisk ticket sales and are expecting Mongkok Stadium to be extremely busy for this highly anticipated fixture,” said HKFA CEO Gordon McKie.

“We are anxious to avoid a situation where ticketless fans turn up just before kickoff and either miss the start of the game or perhaps even not get in at all. So the message is, buy a ticket as early as possible, arrive in plenty of time, and enjoy some pre-match entertainment.’’

Mongkok Stadium is the only venue selling tickets on match day. Other ticketing outlets will cease sales on the evening of Tuesday, 28 February.

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

Hong Kong coach Ernie Merrick is banking on striker Chan Siu Ki to be both goal scorer and provider in Wednesday evening’s clash with Chinese Taipei.

Throughout the build-up to the game Merrick has been emphasising the need for wide players and midfielders to get into attacking positions and he believes Chan has a vital role to play in that respect.

“All strikers are judged by their goals and Siu Ki is no different,” said Merrick after training at Po Kong Village Road Sports Ground in Diamond Hill today (27 February).

“He’s in the team to score goals but, at the same time, I’m looking to him to bring others into play. We need to share the goal scoring burden around the team.

“Siu Ki is a very good striker and his link-up play is excellent. I’m sure he will be an important player for us on Wednesday.”

Hong Kong face Chinese Taipei at Mongkok Stadium at 8:00pm on Wednesday in what will be Merrick’s first match in charge.

The two-time Australian A-League Coach of the Year took up his new post as the Hong Kong Football Association’s Head Coach last month.

One player who will miss out on Wednesday is defender Cheung Kin Fung, who suffered an ankle injury playing for TSW Pegasus in the Halewinner League Cup on Saturday.

“It’s unfortunate for Kin Fung because he had been doing well for us in training,” said Merrick. “But injuries are part of the game and you can never rely on one player. We still have a squad of 20 and plenty of depth so it is not a major concern for us.”

Tickets for the match – priced $60 for adults and $20 for children and senior citizens – 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.

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