English Premier League’s Wolves and Fulham set to light up Hong Kong Soccer Sevens alongside Portugal’s Portimonense

The HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens returns to mark its 20th anniversary next month, with English Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham set to play their first tournament. They will be joined by fellow newcomers and the first Portuguese participants, Portimonense, at Sports Road from May 17-19. Rather than being invited, as is usually the case with attending clubs, Wolves got in touch with the organisers. “They actually contacted us, we didn’t contact them, so that was great to invite them,” said organising committee chairman Tony Bratsanos. “The opportunity to take our young players to Hong Kong to compete against a very good standard of opposition in such a unique format of the game is something we are eagerly anticipating and a fantastic way to bring the curtain down on a successful season at Wolves,” said the club’s under-23 coach Rob Edwards. Fulham were chosen “as they’re a good footballing team with an excellent academy”, according to Bratsanos. Academy products such as Ryan and Steven Sessegnon were key to the Cottagers gaining promotion to the English Premier League last season, even if this campaign has ended with relegation back to the Championship. “We love the idea of something fresh and having new teams come out. We can take our club for granted, but when I see the players walk through the entrance for the first time, they just can’t believe it,” Bratsanos said. Sports Road is one of the oldest football stadiums in the world and with the sight of the Hong Kong skyline from the pitch and stands it is a far cry from stadiums in Britain. While the new boys will be taking all of that in, there will be several teams on show for whom Hong Kong has become a familiar sight. Last year’s Soccer Sevens champions Newcastle United return as do two-time winners Leicester City alongside fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, who made their debut last season. Aston Villa will also be back at Sports Road in the hope of lifting the trophy for a record seventh time in what is the club’s 17th appearance in Hong Kong. FLASHBACK @NUFC edged out @RangersFC 1-0 after extra-time to win the 2018 @hksoccer7s Main Cup title at @HKFCSoccer pic.twitter.com/lvFIaFrPLa — HK Soccer Sevens (@hksoccer7s) 9 April 2019 “This tournament remains an integral part of our development process as over the years many of our young players who have gone on to become Premier League winners, international players and first team squad members have benefited from the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens experience,” said Villa academy manager Sean Kimberley. The British contingent is rounded out by Glasgow Rangers. Last year’s runners-up, they were beaten in the semi-final the year before but they arrive this year hoping to lift their first sevens crown. “Two years ago, we reached the semi-final, last year we lost to Newcastle in the final so this year we hope to go one step further,” said Craig Mulholland, the head of academy at Rangers. Mulholland’s drive to do well is because of the importance the club place on the trip to Hong Kong. “Visiting Hong Kong is a key highlight of the year on our academy calendar and the young players get so much from the event both from a football perspective, but also culturally by visiting one of the world’s must-see locations,” Portugal’s Portimonense lead the list of non-UK teams travelling to Hong Kong. The Algarve side arrive after taking the suggestion of a former sevens star. “Luis Boa Morte, who is a long-time friend of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens having played in Hong Kong on several occasions, actually helped with Portimonense’s involvement. He was until recently the head coach of the under-23 side and had told them about our tournament and they were very keen to come,” said Bratsanos. CONFIRMED The line-up for the 2019 @hksoccer7s @Wolves @FulhamFC @PortimonenseSC @AVFCOfficial @WestHamUtd @OfficialBHAFC @NUFC @LCFC @atlrs_english @atlrs_official @RFC_Youth @RangersFC @HKFCSoccer pic.twitter.com/j6FmlPGsJV — HK Soccer Sevens (@hksoccer7s) 11 April 2019 “Luis’ help shows how much people remember their trips to Hong Kong that they want to tell others and encourage them to come. Like Wolves, they actually contacted us and asked if they could participate,” Bratsanos added. The Portuguese new boys will be joined by J. League outfit Kashima Antlers, who are returning to Hong Kong Football Club for a fifth time and the fourth year in succession. Local interest in the 16-team main tournament comes by way of Hong Kong Premier League side Kitchee alongside the HKFA Dragons, two HKFC teams and a Yau Yee League select. A Singapore Cricket Club side complete the draw. In the 10-team masters tournament there will be familiar faces in the former professional players representing Nottingham Forest Mobsters, Citi All Stars, Wallsend Boys Club and PlayOn Pros. The draws for both tournaments will be made next week.