Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) is setting ambitious goals for its young football team, aiming for a top-half finish in the upcoming campaign. After a disappointing finish at the bottom of last season's local Premier League, HKFC has undergone a significant squad overhaul, bidding farewell to several veteran players.
Head coach Chancy Cooke, who has overseen the transformation, expressed great confidence in the team's potential. Cooke believes that his commitment to nurturing young talent could lead the club to achieve remarkable success, stating that "the sky is the limit" for the aspirational club.
The departure of experienced players such as Andy Russell, Jack Sealy, Freddie Toomer, and Marcus McMillan marks a strategic shift towards a younger, more dynamic squad. This calculated move reflects Cooke's vision of building a team with long-term potential, capable of competing at the highest level of Hong Kong football.
To bolster the squad, HKFC has acquired sixteen new players, blending returning talent with fresh faces. Among the notable additions is Australian winger Dominic Johns, who is making a comeback to the club after recovering from a serious injury sustained during the 2023-24 season. The club has also brought in promising youngsters such as German-born Hong Kong player Luis Salzmann, Ho Tung Lam, and Law Cheuk Hei.
The team is known outside Hong Kong for hosting the annual HKFC Soccer Sevens youth-team seven-a-side tournament, which attracts high-profile teams such as Manchester United, Aston Villa and Celtic.
HKFC is one of the finest sporting clubs in Asia, boasting superb facilities across a broad spectrum of competitive and recreational sports. Aside from football, the club has sections for sports such as hockey, lawn bowls, rugby, squash, netball, badminton, golf, tennis, swimming, and triathlon. The club also hosts top international sports events and touring sides.
With the new season approaching, HKFC is focused on integrating the new players and developing a cohesive team. Cooke's emphasis on youth development, combined with the club's commitment to providing top-notch facilities and support, creates a promising environment for success. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the club's management, coaching staff, and players are united in their determination to achieve their ambitious goals.