Aston Villa on the Hunt
Seven-time winners and defending champions Aston Villa return to Hong Kong once again to headline the line-up of Premier League clubs at the 2024 HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens as the event celebrates its 22nd edition at the Hong Kong Football Club.
The Villans won the three-day tournament in 2023 as the event made its return for the first time in four years and the club based in England's Midlands will travel to Hong Kong to do battle in a 16-team field in the Main Event from May 24 to 26.
"It is our great pleasure to welcome our defending champions, Aston Villa, back to Hong Kong for what will surely be another thrilling edition of the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens," says HKFC Chairman, Neil Jensen.
"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first HKFC Soccer Sevens and over the years we have seen the tournament go from strength-to-strength as it has overcome all manner of obstacles to stand as one of our city's most prestigious and enduring events.
"We are looking forward to seeing another batch of the best young players in world football descend on the Hong Kong Football Club and deliver yet another a weekend of entertainment and excitement."
Aston Villa's Omari Kellyman was the tournament's Most Valuable Player in 2023 as the midfielder inspired his team to a 3-0 win over Hong Kong's Tai Po FC in the final, adding his name to the lengthy list of top class talent to have graced Sports Road over the years.
The latest edition of the tournament, which was first held in 1999, will be the first to be backed by new sponsor Standard Chartered Priority Banking.
Aston Villa's 2023 win was their seventh in the Main Event and they will share the stage this year with three-time winners Newcastle United as well as fellow Premier League outfits West Ham United, Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Regular visitors Rangers will also make the trip as will English Championship high-fliers Leicester City, twice winners of the title.
Tai Po FC, last year's beaten finalists, will return to fly the flag for the Hong Kong Premier League alongside the HKFA U23s.
"We are delighted to be returning again after such a fantastic experience last year, the warm welcome and the way we were looked after made the whole experience such a memorable time." Said Villa Academy Manager, Mark Harrison.
"Our players and staff are really looking forward to taking part again and hopefully can have the same outcome as last year, although we appreciate it is going to be a real challenge with the quality of all the teams involved."
The Masters Tournament will be headlined by defending champions Wallsend Boys' Club, who will be joined by the Professional Footballers' Association All Stars and former winners Discovery Bay.
"Wallsend Boys Club HK will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of their first appearance at the HKFC Soccer Sevens and we are looking forward to challenging for a third consecutive Masters Tournament title in May," says Tony Sealy, Chairman, Wallsend Boys Club HK.
"Wallsend Boys Club HK has produced many top class players over the years, including Premier League title-winning England internationals Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick, and it is a privilege to once again be able to represent such an outstanding organsation."
The draw for this year's event will be conducted at the Hong Kong Football Club on April 12 and the action will kick off with the Masters Tournament on May 24. The Main Event commences on May 25, with both competitions running through until May 26.