Coach’s CornerGetting to know you, Hong Kong, is proving to be a pleasure

I have finally arrived in Hong Kong! Having narrowly survived packing, giving away everything that didn’t fit into my two bags and two months of goodbyes – and goodbye parties – it is a relief to arrive here and get on with the job.

My first day at work was last Monday and it proved to be a big day with orientation at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), training with the girls and then evening training at King’s Park with the full squad. Honestly, I’m not used to 12-hour days!

I have had skills sessions with the girls and a couple of training spells with the full squad now, and the girls have impressed me with their willingness to learn and to work hard.

With the backing of the HKSI, we currently have 12 full-time girls and five part-time girls.  In addition, we have two schoolgirls training with the squad at King’s Park and a number of girls who are returning from overseas study who have shown great interest.

Those girls on full-time contracts are training four days a week or more, while the part-time girls join in when their work or study allows during the day, and they attend the two night training sessions every week. The girls have been full-time at the HKSI since last August and I have been told that the improvements they have made physically and skill-wise have been significant.

The facilities at the HKSI are second to none – a rugby pitch, medical facilities, top-of-the-line gym facilities and a pool. The girls have the option of staying at the institute if they want to and all athletes are provided meals on site.

The HKSI is a hive of building activity with construction happening right beside the pitch we train on. Our new offices are going to be in the renovated building and although the noise can be slightly distracting, it will be great to get settled in there when it is completed.