Western United will participate in the renowned HKFC Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong this weekend alongside some of Europe’s great clubs.
HKFC Soccer Sevens is a seven-a-side tournament that features youth and academy teams from across Europe competing against counterparts from the Asia-Pacific region.
The Green and Black will join a long list of storied clubs that have taken part in the event including Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Yokohama F. Marinos and Urawa Red Diamonds.
Competing for the first time, Western United has been drawn into Group A alongside Premier League heavyweight Aston Villa, Macau FA and HKFC Captain’s Select.
Since its inception in 1999, a host of global superstars have cut their teeth at the Hong Kong competition including Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners Jack Grealish and Gary Cahill.
Western United Academy Director Anthony Frost – who will coach the team in Hong Kong – highlighted the special opportunity this would give the Club to network with overseas teams and link its brand to a reputable international tournament.
“We are delighted to be taking part in the HKFC Soccer Sevens tournament and can’t wait to get to Hong Kong next month,” he said.
“This is such a fantastic competition that shines a positive light on football in Asia and provides opportunities to meet and work with people from some of the biggest footballing brands in the world.
“The chance to learn from those clubs and give our players a platform to express themselves make this an immensely exciting venture, and we look forward to the benefits this will bring us on and off the pitch.”
Western United will bring a team brimming with exciting young talents from the Senior Academy side in the hope of leaving a marked impression on the tournament.
Having impressed in the VPL 1 Men side, the likes of Victor Muhindo, Harry Casci and Mark Leonard will join Isuzu UTE A-League Men scholars in Khoder Kaddour, James York and Luka Coveny in the squad.
As well as the main tournament, a highlight of the event is the Masters section which features teams of footballing legends. Past participants have included English greats John Barnes, Teddy Sheringham and Andy Cole, German icon Jurgen Klinsmann and Finish legend Jari Litmanen.
Full Western United HKFC Soccer Sevens Squad
Alex Nassiep
Anthony Didulica
Besian Kutleshi
Harry Casci
James York
Khoder Kaddour
Luka Coveny
Mark Leonard
Tobias Servin
Victor Muhindo
