Hong Kong Football Tour

James Lai (Year 5) reports on nine fantastic days in Hong Kong enjoyed by twenty enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 boys from St Ives.

 

From day two, we were in match-mode, playing against some of the best teams in Hong Kong, including Asia Pacific Soccer Schools, Hong Kong Football Club, Major League Academy and Tai Tam Tigers. We played at some incredible pitches: the mountainside fields at Hong Kong International School, Stanley Ho Sports Centre by the ocean, the breathtaking colosseum-style Harrow International School and the high-rise campus of Australian International School.

We always kept our heads up, showing our best effort and strong resilience. Our final game at Australian International School was the most memorable, with live music, commentators, a mascot and hundreds of cheering fans, even finishing with a nail-biting penalty shootout. It felt like playing in the World Cup!

We met some tough opponents, who also became our best friends. We are forever grateful to the schools and clubs that made our trip meaningful and fulfilling. The sportsmanship and teamwork shown by everyone made the trip even more special.

However, the tour wasn’t all about football. We explored Hong Kong’s vibrant attractions. From thrilling rides at Ocean Park, the City Light Show and the Peak Tram, to trips to the Sky100 Observation Deck, Shek O Beach and Cup Noodle Museum, we had the time of our lives. One of our favourite activities was the visit to the night markets, where we all learned the skill of “haggling” for the best deals possible. We all took home bags full of goodies, some genuine and some not so.

Along the way, we spotted many fancy cars and one famous face – the tennis GOAT, Roger Federer. Hong Kong certainly has its glamour.

The height of our tour (no pun intended) was catching the Ngong Ping cable car to the Big Buddha. Gliding through the clouds, we ascended towards the impressive and mighty 34-metre-tall statue, where we paid our respects and were blessed with a safe trip home.

Big Buddha.jpg

The boys owe Mr Derrin, Mr Townley- Jones, Mr Gyngell and Mr Balkin a huge thank you for this unforgettable and amazing experience. This trip would not have been possible without the support from our teachers, the Hong Kong school staff, our parents, and, of course, my fellow teammates. The memories of this trip will certainly stay with us for many years to come.