And while the tournament allowed Brighton, Villa, and other leading British clubs to put some of their younger players under pressure in a different setting, there is benefit too for the hosts.

In return for providing an unfamiliar environment, exposure to a new culture, and stifling heat, Hong Kong got an early glimpse of future gems, while fans rubbed shoulders with Premier League figures. More satisfying all round than paying through the nose to watch Lionel Messi shelter in a dugout.

Hong Kong clubs were quoted up to HK$39 million (US$5 million) to attract Premier League opposition last season. The Post has learned a visit from Atletico Madrid this summer is probable, with confirmation imminent, but the city’s relationship with major English clubs is currently wrapped up in this mutually advantageous competition.

Damian Trimingham is a lifelong Aston Villa fan who lives in Hong Kong, and has acted as the club’s liaison for the sevens tournament since 2005.

“The coaching staff say the trip broadens players perspectives, they experience different cultures, and immerse themselves in Hong Kong,” Trimingham said.

“The attention and autograph requests give them a sight of life at professional level.

“For the club, it is a good way of making a mark in the region. It is the end of the season, so players give away kit. Steadily, you see more Villa shirts dotted around Hong Kong.”

A number of the Glasgow Rangers players beaten by Villa in the quarter-finals were too lost in their own disappointment to notice the youngsters spanning the touchline, clutching pens and paper.

“They are just angry, and probably rushing to get some water, but the coaches are constantly watching how they handle themselves,” said Stewart Montgomery, who was a member of Rangers’ coaching staff for the weekend.

“For Rangers, this is a chance to get young lads to the other side of the world, to see how they adapt.”

Montgomery said Rangers “already have a footprint in Hong Kong”. In his assistant manager role with HKFC, he took the club’s promising young defender, Timothy Chow, for a week’s training with Rangers last December. Part of the club’s ownership is in Hong Kong hands.

“Hong Kong isn’t a market for players yet,” Montgomery said. “But the club is well aware of the importance of establishing its badge in Asia, and Hong Kong’s value from a marketing standpoint.”

Trimingham inherited his Aston Villa passion from a grandfather who was vicar in the church next to the club’s ground in Birmingham. His four daughters share the middle name Villa, and as part of ensuring a rounded trip for the club, he organises sightseeing visits.

Connor McAvoy, the 22-year-old Fulham defender, spent most of the season injured. He badgered coaches to allow him to return to Hong Kong, five years after first playing in the competition.

“It is a mental battle,” McAvoy said “Most of the teams are good enough to win, but it comes down to whoever is mentally strongest and can manage the heat, and food, and other challenges. Being exposed to different environments makes you as a player.”

Neil Jensen, the Hong Kong Football Club chairman, called the sevens a “cherished part of our community”.

“What truly makes this event special is the dedication of our volunteers ... their commitment ties everything together, benefiting the club, the development of football, and the community,” he added.

For the players, thoughts of who is watching are never far away. Josep Gombau, the Aston Villa manager, said first-team boss Unai Emery was taking a keen interest from a distance.

The outstanding Barrington said: “We know the first-team staff will want to know how we did on and off the pitch in Hong Kong. This is another chance to show what we can do.”

Barrington kept his end of the deal, and so did Hong Kong.