I attended Day 3 of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer 7s today, just in time to watch the Cup Quarter Final games between Glasgow Rangers/West Ham United, Australian U18/Tuen Mun ProGoal, Aston Villa/Eastleigh FC and Celtic/Citizen FC.

As three-day tournaments go, Day 3 (knockout rounds & Finals) are normally the highlight of the tournament.  I was therefore rather disappointed to see the spartan crowd at an event billed as “the premier Soccer Sevens tournament in the world” (according to HKFC Chairman Fook Aun Chew).

Here are some of the pictures I took with my trusted old point-and-click:

The Australian U18 getting ready for their game against Tuen Mun ProGoal.

The ref conducts the toss, Aus U18 vs. locals Tuen Mun ProGoal.

Celtic legend Danny McGrain awaits his charges.

Danny McGrain puts his Celtic Boys through their warm-up drills.

Top Premiership ref Mike Riley in action at the Soccer Sevens.

Anxious Villa players support their mates from the sidelines.

The grey-haired goalie for the Yau Yee Masters Team

Holders Aston Villa cruised into the Cup quarter-finals at the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens on Saturday – knocking out arch rivals Birmingham City in the process. Villa – going for their third title in a row and fifth overall at the popular Hong Kong Football Club tournament – beat the Blues 1-0 in their final Pool C encounter. 

Midfielder Barry Bannan, last year’s Player of the Tournament, curled in the winner in the final minute, leaving Villa top of the pool with maximum points and relegating Birmingham to the secondary Plate competition.

Aston Villa’s Barry Bannan celebrates with teammate Andreas Weimann during Villa’s march to the Cup quarter-finals on the second day of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens on Saturday, May 30.

“A draw would have been sufficient because we’d already won the group but it’s always good to beat our local rivals,” said Villa youth academy director Bryan Jones. 

“It was a tremendous finish from Barry. As soon as he turned on the edge of the box I knew exactly where the ball was going. He’s an unbelievable talent.”

Jones’ team opened their title defence with a 2-0 win over Hong Kong side Citizen thanks to strikes from Ciaran Clark and Dominik Hofbauer.  They then came from behind to beat Singapore Cricket Club 3-1 with an equaliser from Andreas Weimann and a Bannan brace.

“We started slowly and weren’t quite happy with the first two performances but we kept the ball better in the third game and deserved the victory,” said Jones. 

Villa face a Cup quarter-final on Sunday against English non-league side Eastleigh FC, who lost 1-0 to Glasgow Celtic on their way to second spot in Pool D.

“It will be difficult,” predicted Jones. “Eastleigh played very well against Celtic, so we can’t be complacent. It will be a tough game.”

Celtic cruised into the Cup quarter-finals, winning their three games without conceding a goal. 

An impressive Glasgow Rangers side topped Pool A with three wins over Tuen Mun Progoal (2-0), Hong Kong Football Club (3-0) and Chengdu Blades 1-0).

The Australian U18s national team beat West Ham United 1-0 to win Pool B. That left West Ham to go through in second place, meaning they face a tough Cup quarter-final against Rangers.

In the Masters competition, the IP Global All Stars cruised into the Cup quarter-finals by topping Pool A. After Friday night’s opening 1-0 victory over Kowloon Cricket Club, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie set them on their way to a 3-0 victory over HKFC Veterans.

Former West Ham and Ipswich star Stuart Slater then scored with the last kick of the game to give the All Stars a 1-0 victory over Football For Life.

The All Stars – who also have former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell in their line-up – will face GAC Blades, comprising ex-Sheffield United players, in the Cup quarter-finals.

Former Glasgow Rangers midfielder Alex Rae made an immediate impact on the first day of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens on Friday. Rae was on target just before half-time to give his team, the IP Global All Stars, a 1-0 victory over Kowloon Cricket Club. It was the perfect start for the All Stars, who are favourites to win the Masters competition at the popular sevens tournament at Hong Kong Football Club.  “The goal came at just the right time and we controlled the match from then on,” said Rae.

“We were pretty comfortable, I don’t think our goalkeeper had a shot to save. It’s a good beginning for us and we’ll look forward to tomorrow.” 

Former Newcastle United fullback John Beresford (right) of the IP Global All Stars challenges for the ball against Kowloon Cricket Club’s Ashgar Ali.

Rae won the Masters tournament last year with Glasgow Rangers Legends and was delighted to get on the scoresheet.  I felt I didn’t get enough goals last year, so I’ll be trying to get a couple more this time around,” he promised. 

The All Stars line-up includes former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie and former Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.  They dominated the Pool A clash against KCC, hitting the woodwork twice and going close on several other occasions, but Rae’s smartly taken goal proved enough.

Also in Pool A, former France international Didier Six scored a late winner for Football For Life as they beat HKFC Veterans 2-1.

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.   The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

Pool play continues on Saturday when the Main competition will start. The knockout stages will be played on Sunday.

All children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets cost HK$200 for two days (Saturday and Sunday sold together) or HK$120 for one day.

Tickets can be bought via www.hksoccersevens.com or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.

Celtic legend Danny McGrain is hoping his team can go one better than last year’s runners-up spot when they compete in this weekend’s HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens.

(Pic: The Evening Times) 

The Scottish giants lost 2-0 to English rivals Aston Villa in the 2008 final of the popular Hong Kong tournament.  They will be aiming to improve on that when the 2009 edition is staged at Hong Kong Football Club from Friday to Sunday.

“Villa had that little bit extra last year and the better team won,” admitted McGrain, assistant to Celtic squad manager Willie McStay.  “We’re in a tough group this year so our priority is to make sure we qualify for the Cup on Sunday and then we’ll take it from there.”

Celtic have unearthed plenty of stars in the years they have been competing in the Soccer Sevens, including current first team captain Steve McManus, John Kennedy, Shaun Maloney and Liam Miller.

This year they have high hopes for flying winger Niall McGinn. The 21-year-old, already a Northern Ireland international, was signed from Derry City last December.  “He’s got pace to burn and can play on the right or left,” said McGrain, one of the all-time great fullbacks who played 663 games for Celtic and earned 62 Scotland caps.

“In the past we’ve brought quite a few young players over here who have progressed to the first team. This is our seventh year of competing here and it’s always been enjoyable. Everyone back home speaks very highly of the tournament.”

Arch rivals Rangers are also competing in the 32-team Soccer Sevens while other leading contenders include Villa, West Ham United and Birmingham City.

Villa, who will be going for their third Cup victory in a row and fifth overall, have included two key members of last year’s winning team, Player of the Tournament Barry Bannon and Marc Albrighton, who scored against Celtic in the final.

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

All eyes in this year’s Masters competition will be on the IP Global All Stars, who will feature former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie and former Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.

Further star appeal comes in the shape of current Premier League referee Mike Riley, who is officiating at the tournament.

Riley will take charge of four matches in the first two days – Football For Life v HKFC Veterans on Friday (7:48pm kickoff), followed by West Ham v Australian U18s (2:18pm), Eastleigh FC v Yau Yee League Select (5:18pm) and Villa v Birmingham (7:42pm), all on Saturday. He will also referee matches on Sunday.

There is no substitute for experience when it comes to managing a big football club, according to Lawrie McMenemy. The former Southampton boss watched two teams from his native Northeast of England fall out of the Premier League last weekend – and both had young managers at the helm.

Alan Shearer won just one of his eight games in charge for Newcastle as they were relegated while Gareth Southgate’s third season as Middlesbrough manager also ended in the drop. McMenemy – currently visiting Hong Kong for the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens – said letting former players go straight into management at a top-flight club was fraught with difficulties. 

“Young managers should really cut their teeth in the lower divisions, but these days they want big names at Premier League clubs,” he said.  “Alan’s only been in charge of Newcastle for a few weeks and if he stays to try and get them out of the Championship [the division below the Premier League] he’s going to find out just how hard management is.

“Gareth Southgate was another who went straight into management from playing and it’s a difficult thing to do.

“But Middlesbrough have got probably the best chairman in England in Steve Gibson – he’s stuck by Gareth and will continue to do so.

“Even so, they are the least well supported of the three Northeast clubs – they are behind Newcastle and Sunderland in that respect – and I think they may continue to struggle.

“I managed in all four divisions in England in my career and I can tell you the Championship is the most difficult to get out of.”

McMenemy, though, was quick to point out that Shearer could hardly be blamed for Newcastle’s demise.  “As Alan himself said, it’s mainly down to mismanagement on and off the field going back several years. Their massive support has kept them going in the past couple of seasons but all their problems have finally caught up with them.”

McMenemy managed Doncaster Rovers and Grimsby Town in the lower divisions before making his name at Southampton, where he was in charge from 1973-85.

He guided them to a shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester United in 1976 and in 1984 led the club to their best-ever finish in the top flight, runners-up to champions Liverpool. He later had a spell in charge of Sunderland and was an assistant to England manager Graham Taylor.

McMenemy, accompanied by his wife Anne, is making his first visit to Hong Kong. He is the guest speaker at the Soccer Sevens Sportsman’s Dinner being held on Thursday (May 28) at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley. 

More than 600 guests will attend the dinner, which will also include a question and answer session with current Premier League referee Mike Riley. 

The Soccer Sevens will be held at HKFC from Friday to Sunday (May 29 to 31) with 32 teams taking part – 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters. 

Play takes place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday, from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday.

Entry on Friday is free for all spectators, while all children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets cost HK$200 for two days (Saturday and Sunday sold together) or HK$120 for one day.

Tickets can be bought via www.hksoccersevens.com or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.

The official HKFC IP Gobal Soccer Sevens mascot was also launched at today’s press conference and Official Draw at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley.  Problem… the cute little thingy:

HAS NO NAME!

So here’s the deal folks: fancy 2 VIP Tickets to the Soccer Sevens ?

Plus:

a Soccer Ball from match ball sponsors Nike (get this) signed by the IP Gobal All Stars?

Sounds good?  Well, then, right this very moment, go to:

 http://www.hksoccersevens.com/luckdraw03.php and give the fluffy BIG thingy A NAME!

It’s as easy as that!  If your winning name is chosen, the prizes are all yours.

What are you waiting for?

Do it.

Have a look:

The official draw for this month’s HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens took place at the HKFC’s Sportsman’s Bar today.

IP Global marketing director Julia Wilde and tournament organising committee chairman Tony Bratsanos display the new trophy for the 2009 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens.

This is what you should know about this exciting tournament:

Venue:  HK Football Club (Happy Valley, Hong Kong)

Dates:    Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31, 2009

Tickets

Friday May 29: FREE ENTRANCE

Saturday-Sunday May 30-31: Adults HK$ 200 (2 day ticket)

Saturday OR Sunday only: Adults HK$ 120 (1-day ticket)

Children under 16: FREE for the whole tournament.

Schedule of play

Friday, May 29:     6:00 pm – 8:30 pm (approx.)

Saturday May 30: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (approx.)

Sunday May 31:     8:00 am – 7:00 pm (approx.)

Sanctioning body

The Hong Kong Football Association

Title Sponsor

IP Global

Tournament format

2 Competitions: Main & Masters with 16 teams each.

Each competition has 4 Pools of 4 Teams for round-robin matches.

Then, knock-out matches for the:

* Cup, Shield & Plate (Main Competition) and

* Cup & Plate (Masters Competition).

See you at the HKFC at the end of May!

Hong Kong-based international property company IP Global has been unveiled as the new title sponsor of the territory’s famous Soccer Sevens.  The fast-expanding firm has agreed to back the 2009 tournament with an option for a multi-year extension.  “We are delighted to welcome IP Global on board and we anticipate this being the start of a very happy relationship with the Soccer Sevens,” said tournament organising committee chairman Tony Bratsanos.   ”It is no secret that in the current economic climate, sports events are struggling to attract or retain investment, which makes IP Global’s commitment to the Soccer Sevens even more valued and appreciated.” 

IP Global managing director Tim Murphy (centre) receives a personalised football shirt from Tony Bratsanos (left), chairman of the 2009 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens organising committee, and Kwok Ka Ming, director of international relations for the Hong Kong Football Association.

The 2009 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens will be held at Hong Kong Football Club from May 29-31.

The tournament has earned a reputation for unearthing future stars with players such as Gabriel Agbonlahor, Anton Ferdinand, David Bentley and Glen Johnson making their names in recent years.

“IP Global is honoured to be the title sponsor of this year’s Soccer Sevens,” said managing director Tim Murphy.  “For me personally, it is a moment of great satisfaction as football has always been my favourite sport and the one closest to my heart.  “We are fully committed to working with Tony and his team to help the Soccer Sevens grow, both on and off the pitch.

“We are pleased to assist in bringing world famous football teams to Hong Kong, giving the passionate fans here a truly outstanding sporting spectacle to enjoy.  “And for us at IP Global, the tournament provides an excellent platform for raising our profile, interacting with our clients and enhancing our role in the Hong Kong community.”

IP Global’s title sponsorship was announced in a press conference on Tuesday, May 10 at Hong Kong Football Club.  Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.  Organisers also confirmed that defending champions Aston Villa will be returning in search of their third straight title and fifth overall.  They will be joined in the Main competition by fellow English Premier League club West Ham United and Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers. 

The Masters competition will feature a squad of former Premier League players called the IP Global All-Stars and a debut appearance by the Polish All-Stars.  A total of 32 teams will take part in the Soccer Sevens, 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters. Each competition will feature a pool round followed by knockout games for the Cup, Shield and Plate (in the Main) and Cup and Plate (in the Masters). 

When?

Play will take place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday, May 29; from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday, May 30; and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday, May 31.

How much?

Entry on May 29 is free for all spectators, while all children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets will cost HK$200 for two days (May 30 and May 31 sold together) or HK$120 for one day.

Tickets?

Tickets can be bought from May 9 via the official website – www.hksoccersevens.com – or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.