Opinion | Hong Kong Soccer Sevens magic can bring out the inner child in all of us – with a few minor changes
Kids love the annual tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club, but the adults could be just as transfixed if organisers made some small tweaks
It will always be puzzling to see top-class football academies from around the globe playing in front of stands that are only ever two thirds full at Hong Kong Football Club.
The HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens is back in town, but once again the reception has been lukewarm, with attendance numbers failing to catch fire this weekend.
The seven-a-side round-robin tournament has all the tools to be a hit – famous football clubs like Rangers, Newcastle, Leicester City and West Ham are providing a glimpse of the future with the game’s potential new stars all on show in Happy Valley.
Just talk to some of the young players who come to Hong Kong for the Soccer Sevens; it’s not just a few games of football in the sunshine, but a rite of passage for these lads.
“It’s great for experience and I’m all for it,” said England legend Peter Reid ahead of this year’s tournament. “The game now travels worldwide with social media and experiences like this can only enhance them as players and people.”
