Editorial | Hong Kong needs more facilities to ensure football for all
The Saudi Super Cup can be considered a success, but it should be possible to stage such events without disrupting training for local teams
Kitchee’s women’s team, preparing for an Asian Champions League match, lost their booking at the Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O. Player Danielle Voss suggested this was either a result of incompetence or a lack of support for women’s football on the part of the governing body. The arrangements, especially communication between the HKFA and the clubs, should have been handled better. The Saudi clubs need somewhere to train, but the city’s hosting of the tournament was announced in June. There should not have been a need for late cancellations.
A long-standing lack of training facilities is the root of the problem. This needs to be tackled. Even Hong Kong’s top teams have to share training pitches with the public. Land is always at a premium in the city, but provisions must be made for more facilities as it develops its sporting prowess.
The Saudi Super Cup, largely thanks to Ronaldo’s presence, can be considered a success, but it should be possible to stage such events without disrupting training for local teams. Planning will be key as the city looks forward to hosting more top-class matches.