It’s Time to get Behind our Team 全力支持香港代表隊

It’s Time to get Behind our Team

The start of the new football season is upon us and this brings with it the re-start of our campaign to qualify for the Asian Cup. The Hong Kong Senior Team is well-placed to achieve something that hasn’t been done since 1968 – to qualify for the finals to be held in Australia in 2015. After two matches Hong Kong is second in the group of four which also includes the UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. We have four more matches including home games against the UAE in October and Uzbekistan in November and away games against the UAE also in November and Vietnam next March.

Coach KIM and his team are working hard to prepare for these important matches and the HKFA is doing what it can to give them the support they need. We have arranged two friendly matches to help with these preparations and the team is travelling to Myanmar on 6^th September. On Tuesday 10^th September we play against Singapore at the Mong Kok Stadium. This will be the last opportunity to cheer on the team and show support before the competitive action starts in October. When Hong Kong beat Vietnam earlier this year the full-house and fervent support created an electric atmosphere and really gave the players a boost.

Winning is a habit and if we get positive results against Myanmar and Singapore it will generate momentum to carry forward into the Asian Cup qualifiers. So on behalf of the players, the coaches, myself and indeed the whole of the HKFA, please come and support Hong Kong on 10^th September.

Footnote

The vast majority of fans behaved in an exemplary manner when Hong Kong played against the Philippines but a small minority let the majority down by disrespecting the visiting team, fans and national anthem. Although there was a degree of provocation as well as a political under-current, we cannot condone such behavior. The HKFA is still under investigation by FIFA for the incidents surrounding that match and we face the possibility of sanctions. It is crucial therefore that at the Singapore match we prove that Hong Kong people are respectful, friendly and hospitable. Let’s have a great time supporting our team but at the same time let’s show respect to our visitors.     

全力支持香港代表隊

新球季重臨，意咪著亞洲盃外圍賽事將重燃戰火，自從1968年以來，香港代表隊將有機會尋求突破—進軍明年在澳洲舉行的亞洲盃決賽週。經過首兩輪比賽後，目前香港在小組中暫居次席，同組對手包括阿聯酋、烏茲別克和越南等勁旅。目前香港代表隊尚餘四場賽事，包括今年十月份主場迎戰阿聯酋、十一月份主場強撼烏茲別克及作客挑戰阿聯酋，最後一輪則安排於明年三月份作客出戰越南。

香港代表隊主教練金判坤先生及教練團隊經已密鑼緊鼓地進行備戰工作，而香港足球總會亦將會全面支持港隊。我們已經為球隊安排兩場國際友誼賽作為熱身，包括於九月六日遠赴緬甸及九月十日假旺角大球場與新加坡對壘，為十月份開始的連場惡戰進行最後的準備工作，相信全港球隊又可再度展示他們的熱情，重現旺角大球場座無虛席的空前盛況，打氣聲和歡呼聲為香港代表隊球員提供無限的動力泉源。

假如我們可以從緬甸和新加坡的賽事中取得美滿成績，連場勝利將可變成習慣，亦可將戰意高昂的情緒持續保持至亞洲盃外圍賽中。因此本人代表香港足球總會全體員工、教練、球員以及自己，希望全港市民能夠在九月十日舉行的新加坡賽事中親臨現場支持！

備註：

在今年六月四日主場與菲律賓的友賽中，大部分球迷都保持著高尚情操欣賞賽事，惟獨一小撮球迷對外隊、對方球迷及演奏國歌期間進行不君子行為，縱使可能與近期的政治及社會等敏感事件有關而觸發為導火線，但香港足球總會絕不能容忍任何反種族及歧視行為在賽事中出現。香港足球總會正在接受國際足協調查事件而可能面臨任何判罰。藉此今次與新加坡友賽的機會，我們可以透過球賽證明香港球迷擁有尊重他人、友善及好客之道的情操；在支持港隊的同時，亦可以尊重和欣賞對手的表現！

Trip to Guam, Supplementary 關島之行 (後續)

Trip to Guam, Supplementary

It has been brought to my attention that there has been some discussion on public forums about my recent visit to Guam. The implication of these postings is that I have used HKFA resources to fund mine and my wife’s trip. I am very disappointed that people feel it necessary to question my personal integrity in this way, especially without checking the facts. The postings are mendacious and beyond contempt.

The fact is that my wife and I paid for all of the costs of our visit to Guam including both of our flights, all of the accommodation costs and all of the activities we took part in. The total cost of our visit was circa HK$20,000 of which the HKFA paid HK$0.00, not even the train ticket to the airport.

I thought it would be a good idea to show some support to our U18 team and take a short weekend vacation at the same time. The trip was in our time and entirely at our cost. The Hong Kong team was pleased to have my support and the EAFF was also happy for me to recognize and support their tournament. I will continue to support Hong Kong football in this way.  

 

關島之行 (後續)

最近某些公眾論壇的言論引起本人的注意，話題主要環繞早前刊登的《關島之行》，帖中暗示本人有公器私用之嫌，以足總資源去支付自己及太太的旅程費用，對於質疑本人的個人操守、本人感到極為失望，尤其在欠缺任何真憑實據的支持下，這些言論絕對是不盡不實。

事實上，本人和太太為這趟旅程自資所有費用，包括雙人往返機票、相關住宿費用以及任何行程內的消費。全個旅程的費用大約為港幣二萬元，當中並沒有用上足總的一分一毫，連往返機場鐵路的車資也是自資的。

上文提及，此行之主要目的是為香港18歲以下代表隊打氣，同時亦可順道享受短暫的周末假期。縱使時間及金錢皆由己出，但樂見港隊的傑出表現以及東亞足球聯盟感謝足總對是次賽事的支持，本人認為不枉此行，而且日後將繼續支持香港足球！

East Asian Football Federation U18 Tournament – Guam東亞足球聯盟18歲以下足球錦標賽—關島

East Asian Football Federation U18 Tournament – Guam

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to the tropical paradise of Guam, a place I have always wanted to visit. I wasn’t disappointed. The Island was beautiful and the locals were happy and friendly. The hospitality we enjoyed was second to none and I really want to publically thank our hosts, the EAFF and the Guam FA for their generosity and excellent organisation. My wife and I managed to find time for some rest and relaxation and I did some scuba diving, which was fantastic.

 

The main reason we were there however was to watch the EAFF U18 Tournament which was thoroughly enjoyable too. I am delighted to tell you that the Hong Kong team won the tournament with a 100% winning record. The Hong Kong team beat Macau, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, DPR Korea and Chinese Taipei. I was only there for the weekend so I couldn’t watch all of the matches but the ones I saw were very pleasing. The Hong Kong team performed really well and deserved their success. They controlled the games with some excellent passing and good movement off the ball. They worked hard for one another and took their chances very well. They were composed and organized throughout and looked a very mature side.

 

The discipline on and off the pitch was exemplary and testament to their character and that of the Coaching team. Coach Szeto and his colleagues deserve great credit for their work in preparing the team. I was very impressed and it gives me a lot of optimism for the future.

 

As a footnote, the Tournament was held at the Guam National Football Training Centre (pictured below). How envious I was of this excellent facility with its grass pitches, synthetic pitches, beach football court, futsal courts etc. I ask myself, how is it possible that a place like Guam with a population equivalent to 2.4% the size of Hong Kong can have a National Football Training Centre and we can’t? It’s quite embarrassing really.

 

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東亞足球聯盟18歲以下足球錦標賽—關島

 

 

上週本人十分榮幸能夠前往心儀已久之地—「熱帶天堂」關島。這趟旅程可謂不枉之行，除了飽覽風光旖旎的醉人景致、原居民友善的好客之道、以及下榻首屈一指的住宿，本人在此公開感謝是次比賽的主辦單位—東亞足球聯盟及關島足球總會為香港代表隊提供至臻完善的安排。本人與太太難得偷得浮生半日閒，能夠在如斯美境中享受浮潛的滋味。

 

當然，此行之主要目的並非遊玩，而是親臨現場觀賞東亞足球聯盟18歲以下足球錦標賽，真的妙不可言！本人有幸目睹香港19歲以下代表隊能夠在是次大賽中贏得錦標，先後擊敗澳門、關島、北馬里亞納群島、朝鮮及中華台北，以全勝姿態登上冠軍寶座。本人雖於週末才抵步以致錯過盡覽全部賽事，但球隊的出色發揮仍覺倍感欣慰。香港代表隊在本屆賽事中表現出色，奪冠可謂實至名歸。無論在傳球及走位皆能掌控比賽節奏，各隊員間相互配合以致爭取不少埋門機會，在組織進攻及戰術演繹上，均可反映球隊步向成熟的一面。

 

此外，在教練團隊的英明領軍下，球隊在場內外皆嚴守紀律。教練司徒文俊先生以及其團隊在備戰方面應記首功。透過是次比賽，本人深受感動及對香港代表隊的未來充滿憧憬。

 

 

最後文末作為註腳，是次比賽在關島國家足球訓練中心舉行(如下圖所示)，場館內的高質素設施令人既妒且羨，如真草場地、人造草場、沙灘足球場、五人足球場等設施應有盡有。我不禁撫心自問：為何在這個僅佔香港2.4%人口的彈丸之地，存在一個頗具規模的國家足球訓練中心，反而香港不能？這真是令人尷尬。

 

 



 

Women’s Football 女子足球

Women’s Football

Girls and Women’s football in Hong Kong is really starting to take off and I’m absolutely delighted about that. One of the main recommendations of Project Phoenix was the integration of Women’s football into the HKFA. The report recognized the potential to harness increasing interest in and demand for girls and women’s football. It is after all the fasted growing sport in the world!

In recent months we have appointed a Women’s Football Manager, Ms Betty Wong who has outstanding credentials to lead this important and growing area of work. Together with our Women’s Head Coach, Ms Chan Shuk Chi we have people with limitless energy and passion for the sport as well as the expertise and knowledge to make a real difference.

I have had the pleasure to witness some of our female players in action both at Futsal and football and I have been genuinely impressed by the quality. What comes across more than anything however is the desire to improve, the enthusiasm and the obvious love of the game. It is uplifting to see such commitment. The HKFA must respond by building on this drive and putting in place the systems and resources necessary to take this facet of the sport forward.

There is huge potential and we want to ensure that every girl and woman in Hong Kong who wants to play football has the opportunity to do so. We also need to put in place the programmes and ‘pathways’ to ensure that our female players can progress to being elite footballers if they have the interest and talent.

We will soon have a five-year plan to do just that.

One of the first initiatives we have organized is a Girls Football Festival ‘Let’s Kick for Fun’ which was held on 6^th July. This project was funded by FIFA and involved over 150 girls between the ages of 5-14. As well as being fun, the girls learned new skills and hopefully reinforced their desire to make football their chosen sport. Of course I am biased but I truly believe that football is a wonderful sport for girls as much as it is for boys. It encourages physical health and well-being, teamwork, respect for self and others, discipline and self-confidence.

I believe that playing football should be encouraged by parents of both boys and girls, and by the way, it has been proven that playing sport boosts cognitive development so sport and education should go hand in hand not be mutually exclusive!

So Women’s football in Hong Kong has a bright future, of that I have no doubt.

It would be remiss of me not to mention a pioneer of women’s football in Hong Kong, Ms Veronica Chan Yiu-kam. Veronica has devoted her life to women’s football in Hong Kong and almost single-handedly kept the ball rolling, literally. The current custodians of women’s football, myself included will ensure that this dedication is not wasted, that the foundations are built upon and that there is a sustainable legacy.

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女子足球

對於香港女子足球發展正朝著發展步伐邁進，本人深表高興，「鳳凰計劃」其中一項重點建議是將女子足球與香港足球總會整合，報告認為該項建議有利促進本地女子足球項目的發展，能夠與全球高速運動發展緊密相連。

最近，足總聘請了女子足球經理黃若玲小姐，相信憑藉其傑出表現，她將會引領這項任重道遠的項目走向成功；與此同時，香港女子代表隊教練陳淑芝小姐抱著對足球用之不竭的精力和熱情，加上其專業獨到的知識，相信將與黃小姐合作無間，共創輝煌！

本人有幸親身目睹部分女子足球運動員曾在五人或十一人比賽中亮相，並對其在場上的表現印象難忘，沒有任何東西比渴望追求完美、激情以及熱愛足球更為重要，這正是提升競技水平的重要承諾，足總將全力朝著這個目標進發，投入充足資源及相關系統配合，務求將這項運動獨樹一幟。

面對這項擁有龐大發展潛力的運動，我們保證每位香港女孩能夠有機會一嘗足球所帶來的樂趣，足總將會舉辦各適其適的發展項目，以配合一些具天賦和興趣的女子足球選手一躍成為精英運動員！

足總將為此定下一個長達五年的發展計劃。

其中首項目標經已達成，足總已成功於今年七月六日舉辦了「女子足球節」(踢出快樂足球)。這項由國際足協贊助的大型戶外活動，當日超過一百五十名、年齡由五至十四歲的少女參加。她們除可在當日享受足球樂趣外，更可學習新技能以及強化她們將足球選定為心目中喜愛運動的願望。雖然我承認存有偏見，但我衷心相信足球是一項無分性別的運動，而非男士專利。足球運動不但可以鍛鍊體魄，同時亦可訓練團隊合作、尊重自己和他人、嚴守紀律和加強自信心的益處。

與此同時，本人認為家長應鼓勵子女多參與足球運動，因為足球本身有助孩子的認知發展，所以教育與運動兩者理應環環相扣，絕不能獨善其身！

毫無疑問，女子足球項目在本地的發展前景將會大放異彩！

提及本地女子足球的先驅者，不得不提陳瑤琴女士所作出的偉大貢獻。她將其大半生奉獻在足球事業上，得以令本地女子足球持續向前。因此，作為現時女子足球發展的監督者，包括本人在內，肯定陳女士所作出的努力絕不會輕易浪費，其辛苦經營的基業和心血將會薪火相傳，繼續發揚光大。

 

Refereeing 裁判工作

Refereeing

Once upon a time back in the olden days when I used to play football (poorly) I often wondered why people wanted to referee. After all it is a thankless task and a very difficult job. Unless you are a full time professional referee (of whom there are very few), the pay is poor so people can’t be doing it for the money. If referees have a good game they are seldom mentioned. If they have a bad game (and we’re all human and prone to error) they are pilloried. They are subjected to abuse from players and even worse from spectators (most of whom don’t know the Laws of the game and would never dare to referee).

I am reading Graham Poll’s autobiography at the moment (you will remember him as the EPL referee sent home from the World Cup for booking Josip Simunic three times in the Australia V Croatia match). It’s a good read, honest and to the point as you would expect from him. In it he explains that he became a referee simply because he loves the game of football. In recent months I have spoken to many referees in Hong Kong and from further afield who all say the same thing. They do it for the love of the game.

Those of us that play or watch should be eternally grateful that there are people who love our sport so much, that they are prepared to put themselves in the spotlight time and time again. Without referees there would be no football – it is as simple as that.

Project Phoenix is about raising the standard of football and that includes raising the standard of refereeing. There is a symbiotic relationship between the two. I think it’s getting harder to referee, the pace and intensity of the game is increasing and some of the Laws can be interpreted in different ways (despite FIFA’s attempts to remove any ambiguity). That means that we must work harder to recruit more referees, implement systems to develop their skills and fitness and rigorously monitor their performance.

To help in that respect the HKFA has recently appointed its first full time Referees Manager, Mr Charles Cheung, a respected FIFA referee. Charles has already started to make a difference and is putting in place plans to further develop refereeing in Hong Kong at all levels. Charles has changed careers to help Hong Kong football, again because he loves the sport. I hope he gets the support of players, Clubs, fans and other referees.

The pictures below were taken at a recent Referees Assessor course organized by Charles. Over 30 people took part which just goes to show how many people love the sport. The HKFA is grateful for the commitment shown. Again, I remind you; no referees, no football!

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 裁判工作

曾經有段日子我沉醉於足球運動(自認技遜一籌)，那時我很奇怪為甚麼有人會喜歡擔任裁判員(球證)，因為這項普遍被視之不會受人頌讚和艱苦的工作，除非你是一名全職專業裁判員(不過為數極少)，若不是則難以此賺錢為生。如果一場執法水準高的比賽，球證一角總會被人遺忘，反之裁判員卻因執法水平欠佳而變成球賽中的主角(我們皆是人，都會有出錯的時候)，他們往往淪為笑柄，甚至被球員或球迷作為唾罵的對象(大部分球迷未必深諳球賽規例，因此從不會站在球證一方)。

我拜讀了格拉咸．普爾的自傳(普爾是英超聯的著名球證之一，曾在2006年世界盃澳洲對克羅地亞一仗中，向施蒙歷出示三張黃牌才逐他離場)，書中所言展露了普爾真誠的一面，在他的憶述中道出他立志成為一位裁判員的原因，就是因為他喜愛足球運動。最近數月來，我亦曾在香港與多位裁判員論及這個話題，他們的答案如出一轍，即熱愛足球，才會全心投入工作中。

無論你是喜歡踢足球或觀賞球賽，大家都應對這班熱愛從事運動工作的人士表達衷心感謝，縱使再次成為鎂光燈的主角，他們依舊毫不畏懼站在球場上。如果沒有比賽執法者，就沒有足球運動，道理就是如此簡單。

「鳳凰計劃」是旨在提升本地足球發展的整體水平，當然包含裁判水平的提升，兩者關係可謂唇齒相依。隨著比賽的激烈度和速率提升，加上部份比賽條例存在不同詮釋(儘管國際足協致力消除條例上的灰色地帶)，我相信現時裁判員的工作愈見困難。因此，我們應該積極招攬更多裁判員加入，並制訂相關系統來培訓他們的技能和體能，同時嚴厲監督他們的執法表現。

為達成上述目標，香港足球總會(足總)首次聘請全職裁判經理—張炎有先生，他是一位聲譽甚隆的國際足協球證。張先生已開始制訂不同計劃以加強發展各個級別的本地裁判工作，他決定改變其個人仕途來為香港足運發展出一份力，同樣地亦是出於熱愛運動之心。我衷心希望張先生能夠獲得球員、球會、球迷以至裁判員的全力支持。

以下圖中所見，是最近一次由張炎有先生舉辦的裁判評估員課程，當日大約逾三十名人士出席，再次反映有多少人喜歡這項運動。足總在此深表致意。我再次強調一點，沒有裁判員，就沒有足球運動！

 

It’s all about Teamwork 一切皆因「團隊合作」

It’s all about Teamwork

Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success”. I was reminded of this quote at the recent HKFA Annual Awards Dinner. It was a memorable night enjoyed by all. The underlying theme was undoubtedly ‘teamwork’.

Many teams received awards for their season’s endeavours and successes and the camaraderie was palpable. The individuals that received awards would all say that they could not have achieved the accolade without the support of their teammates. One of the highlights of the evening was the ‘team’ chosen by public vote, position by position. The photo below shows the fans’ ‘dream team’ made up of the stars of different teams. The question in my mind was…… how would they perform together? I’ll let you ponder that one too.

One of the highlights of the evening for me was an impromptu photo opportunity at the end of the night when all of the HKFA staff present went on stage. Project Phoenix is all about change and managing transformation in a complex organization is never easy. We have pre-Project Phoenix staff and post-Project Phoenix staff as well as a mix of ages, gender, cultural backgrounds, interests and philosophies. It is inevitable that there will be difficulties and tribulations along the way. We have ‘come’ together because of Project Phoenix, we are ‘keeping’ together because we are passionate about what we do and about making a difference to football and we are now starting to ‘work’ together too. I felt privileged to be on stage with my colleagues and I am full of admiration for their hard work and effort, not least in making the Annual Dinner such a success. We still have a long way to go and I do not underestimate the organizational challenges that lie ahead but I am positive about the future and happy with the ‘team’ I have around me.

On the subject of teamwork, I was delighted yesterday to announce that Coach Kim has been confirmed as the permanent Head Coach of our representative teams. He has done a tremendous job in recent months and fully deserves this opportunity. At the same press briefing I was also pleased to announce that Assistant Coach Szeto has been promoted to Representative Teams Administrative Manager. I know that the players and fans will get behind this new Team. I look forward to further success.   

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一切皆因「團隊合作」

亨利．福特先生(福特汽車公司的創辦人)曾說：「匯聚一起是一個開始，長期聯繫是一個過程，同工協作是一個成功。」這句名言讓我在最近舉行的香港足球總會週年晚宴上再次在腦海中喚起，在這個滿載難忘回憶的晚上，從在場賓客盡興而歸的表情所見，毋庸置疑地引證了「團隊合作」的重要！

經歷過去一個球季各隊所付出的努力而換來的成功，在當晚頒獎典禮上終於獲得回饋，同儕間的友好情誼在空氣中肆意傳遞，每位得獎者所發表的獲獎宣言，最大的共通點是感謝隊友間的無限支持，否則憑個人之力無法登上榮譽之巔！足球明星選舉的最大亮點是透過大眾投票、而選出最佳位置的十一人，以下圖片反映廣大球迷心目中的「地上最強」—來自不同球隊拼湊而成的最佳明星球隊！然而，我內心不禁產生疑問：這支最強之師能否發揮最強最佳？這個答案留待各位細味琢磨。

此外，就我個人而言，當晚宴會另一個高潮可謂晚宴後全體足總員工上台來張即興大合照，「鳳凰計劃」的精髓在於時刻求變，將這套理念完美應用於一間力求變革的機構上談何容易，我們當中包含「鳳凰計劃」前和「鳳凰計劃」後的同事，更遑論各人在年齡、性別、文化背景、個人喜好以及人生觀上的差異，所涉及的困難和艱辛不言而喻，我們透過「鳳凰計劃」集結在一起，可以持之以恆並一起共事，皆因全體員工深信目前所做的能夠對本港足運有所改變。對於上台合照的一刻令我萬分光榮，同時對各同事的辛勤工作和努力深表致意，雖然週年晚宴獲得一致好評，惟我們仍有一段漫長的路要走下去，我亦不會低估各類形形式式的挑戰，但對於未來發展仍然充滿信心，因為我與身邊的團隊同在！

在團隊合作的課題上，昨日我很高興地宣布金判坤成為香港代表隊主教練，金教練在最近數月間表現非凡，為港爭光！同時，香港代表隊助教司徒文俊先生亦榮升至香港代表隊行政經理一職，我深信球員以至球迷們會成為他們堅強的後盾，香港取得佳績指日可待！

Six Month Progress Report 半年工作進程報告

Six Month Progress Report

I have been in post now for just over six months and so this Blog reflects on what has been achieved so far and identifies priority actions for the next few months.  

Organisational Development – Human Resources

In the last six months the staffing compliment of the HKFA has been significantly increased thanks largely to the Project Phoenix funding allocated by HAB. Some key appointments include:

·         Coach Education Manager

·         Women’s Football Manager

·         Grassroots Football Manager

·         Referees Manager

·         Futsal Manager

·         Head of Corporate Governance

·         Head of Marketing and Communications

·         Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications

The Head of Corporate Governance started with the HKFA on 20^th February and is already having a significant impact. The Marketing Team is now at full strength with one incumbent confirmed in post and one additional vacancy filled. There has been a notable increase in marketing and promotional activity.

The HKFA Man Power Plan was submitted and approved by the Football Task Force in March. As a result three new positions including a Representative Teams Manager, have been advertised and are being recruited as we speak.

The Organisational and Development Committee (ODC) is overseeing a harmonization programme which aims to reduce the real and perceived differences between the HKFA employees not covered by the HAB funded Project Phoenix and those employed with the subvention. A series of staff seminars is taking place to introduce the process and timescale to staff to ensure their continued motivation and commitment.

The ODC is also overseeing a review of the HKFA’s internal systems, procedures and protocols with a view to ensuring that they comply with best practice and that they are as administratively efficient as possible. 

Representative Team(s)

The Acting Head Coach continues to perform his duties diligently and effectively. The away draw in Malaysia and the good showing in the EAFF Cup 2013 were built upon by an excellent 0-0 draw away in Uzbekistan. This performance was at least matched in an exciting home 1-0 win over higher ranked Vietnam. This match was played in front of a capacity crowd at the Mong Kok stadium.

The players received their new bonus payment based on HK$10 per FIFA World Ranking points.  This new system has been well-received by all parties.

The HKFA is attempting to arrange friendly matches as part of the preparations for the competitive Asian Cup qualifiers in the Autumn. Hopefully these will take place on FIFA International Match days in June, September and October.

New Professional League

Progress is still being made on the ‘journey’ to a new Premier League in Hong Kong. The HKFA Head of Competitions attended a recent AFC Seminar on the revised criteria for entry into the AFC Champions League (the criteria set as the target for the new HKFA League). The proposals for the new league have been revised based on the new AFC approach.

The General Secretary is preparing a new set of Rules for the new league and these will be presented in draft form at the next Premier League Working Party meeting. In the light of recent developments internationally regarding match-manipulation, this issue is taking greater prominence. Discussions remain on-going regarding the sponsorship and funding for the league with commercial sponsors. This is seen as key to the success of the venture.  

Hong Kong Football Training Centre

A Concept and Business Plan has been prepared which has received the endorsement of the HKFA Board, the Football Task Force and the HKJC. Significant progress has been made and we hope that an announcement on the timescale for development will be made soon.

LCSD Subvention Application

A number of meetings have been held with LCSD over the recent months and the discussions have been forward looking and positive. As a result of this growing partnership and the additional confidence that the Government has in the HKFA, the LCSD has just awarded the HKFA a 41.6% increase in subvention funding (as compared to the last year). This level of increase will enable the HKFA Technical Department to increase the number of activities and programmes particularly at the grassroots level.

FIFA ‘Goal’ Project and Performance Project

On 18^th March FIFA agreed to provide additional funding of USD500,000 towards the phase 2 renovation of the HKFA premises. The renovation work will start soon and is estimated to take 6 months. Concurrent with this, funding of USD100,000 is also being discussed for various initiatives following a recent FIFA Performance Review. This additional money will be used for new systems and procedures to streamline the operation of the HKFA and to improve efficiency. 

Recent Events and Activities

The HKJC supported youth invitational tournament was played at the Po Kong Village Park Road Pitch between 18^th and 20^th February. The Hong Kong U-13 team played against teams from Singapore, Thailand and Guangzhou whilst the U-18 team played against teams from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The players gained good experience from this event.

The U-20 HK team recently participated in the 12^th National Games of China.

Funding support was generously given by the HKJC for the AFC U-14 2014 Championships which took place in Hong Kong between the 11^th and 17^th April.

The newly appointed Futsal Manager is making good progress in preparing for the Asian Indoor Games due to take place in Incheon, Korea in June. Preliminary squads have been chosen for both Men’s and Women’s teams.

The Coach Education Programme is up and running with massive demands for the new Youth Leader level 1 and 2 courses. Furthermore, different levels of AFC and FIFA coaching courses are also being organized. For existing HKFA registered coaches, an online library is being established and seminars will also be held to reinforce their knowledge.

Preparations continue in relation to the BAT 2013 tournament involving South China, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Sunderland. Discussions are now on-going between the HKFA, the Premier League and the British Council regarding the use of the US$100k ‘Good Causes’ fund and in particular how the expertise of the EPL coaches and referees can be used to good effect.

The AFC Technical Director visited Hong Kong between 8^th and 10^th April to review the new Football Development Plan and the new Coach Education Programme which are being developed.

The CEO, Acting Head Coach and Technical Director continue to be in discussion with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Hong Kong and the Medical Profession regarding an integrated Player Welfare system given the working title of ‘Testing, Training and Caring’.  The purpose of this initiative is to develop a more scientific approach to the development of footballers.  The programme will include a longitudinal study of physiological testing to establish benchmarks for fitness levels at each age group, the development of a customized athlete training, conditioning and lifestyle plan and agreed levels of care for injury detection, treatment and rehabilitation.

Summary of the Last Six Months

As some of you may know, I have done a bit of sailing and to use a nautical analogy, the past six months has been ‘all hands on deck’. The ship has been steadied, leaks have been plugged and good headway is now being made. Indeed considerable improvements are apparent both on and off the football pitch.

We have laid some important foundations. For example, the staff compliment is almost full now and the work of implementing Project Phoenix can really start in earnest.

The relationship with stakeholders has improved especially with the fans, the media, the Government, the Football Task Force, the Jockey Club, sponsors etc. Feedback is positive and can only improve with a further period of consolidation and the delivery of some outcomes and targets.

There have been significant improvements in the marketing and promotion of the HKFA, its activities and programmes.

Progress is also being made in relation to the large scale projects that are fundamental to Project Phoenix. In particular the HK Football Training Centre concept and business plan has now been accepted by stakeholders as the basis of a plan that can be supported. The proposal for a new league is coming to fruition but the main issue there will be generating sufficient funding to make it substantially different to the existing league.

Additional funding has been levered in most notably from FIFA, LCSD and the Football Task Force. However the financial sustainability of the HKFA remains a priority task. The implementation of Project Phoenix requires significant additional expenditure. Receiving funding for staffing from HAB is important but they need budgets to work with. Finding sponsorship remains a priority action and some of the promising leads need to be converted into agreed sponsorship packages.

   

In conclusion, I am content with the progress made over the last six months. However, now is not the time to be complacent and I know that considerable further effort will be required if the foundations are to be built upon.

In particular, the next few months will be critical in terms of preparing a realistic budget for the FA, in delivering the major projects including preparations for the new Premier League, the development of the national training centre, the adoption of a new football development plan and a five-year strategy for the HKFA. In addition there are still new staff to recruit and induct, an internal systems and procedures review to undertake and a whole new set of constitutional documents to prepare.  This is in addition to the day to day work of the HKFA such as delivering its development programmes, coach education, competitions management etc.

The future success of the HKFA depends on everyone working together in a positive spirit of cooperation.

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半年工作進程報告

我寫下這篇文章的目的，是回顧過去半年內在Blog內所提及的事情的成果，以及在未來數月內各項目的優先處理工作。

組織架構的發展 — 人力資源

過去六個月內，首先感謝由民政事務局資助下的「鳳凰計劃」，讓香港足球總會得以作出各項重要的人事招募安排，當中包括：

·         教練培訓經理；

·         女子足球經理；

·         草根足球經理；

·         裁判經理；

·         五人足球經理；

·         機構管治總監；

·         市場推廣及傳訊總監；

·         市場推廣及傳訊助理經理

機構管治總監於本年二月二十日開始履新並已帶來顯著的改變，市場推廣及傳訊部的團隊亦已宣告組班完成，市場推廣及傳訊總監將聯同一個現任及一個新聘職位，將會為本會籌辦更多市場及推廣活動

本會的人力資源計劃已於三月時呈交予足球專責小組並獲得審批。如我們早前提及，將新增三個職位，包括香港代表隊經理，並已刊登招聘廣告及進行招募中。

組織及發展委員會現正督導本會檢視現時員工，包括「鳳凰計劃」下聘請的員工和舊有的合約員工，在薪酬制度及附帶僱傭條款上的安排，「目的是統一和協調相關的制度，以減低有關的差異。

一系列的員工會議正已進行，向本會同事簡介計劃細節及時間表並聽取意見，確保他們可積極和投入地工作。

同時，組織及發展委員會亦正推動本會審視內部制度、程序和規章，以確保相關行政管理政策有效地實施和執行。

香港代表隊

現任香港代表隊署理主教練用心辦事，堅守崗位，從作客逼和馬來西亞的友誼賽與及2013年東亞盃外圍賽的出色表現可見一斑，為其後0:0作客逼和烏茲別克的出色表現打下穩固的根基；港隊這股優良的表現，繼續於主場1:0擊敗排名較高的越南大放異彩，令當晚旺角大球場的氣氛熾熱高漲，座無虛席！

此外，球員的全新比賽獎金制度，與國際足總之系統計算出來的排名積分掛勾，即按國際足總之系統計算出來的每一個積分，參賽成員可獲頒港幣十元，新制度得到各界正面的評價。

另一方面，香港足球總會為港隊應付秋季舉行的亞洲盃外圍賽，將安排多場友誼賽，本會希望可於今年六月、九月及十月的國際足聯比賽日期間進行．

全新職業聯賽

本港全新的職業聯賽正在擬定計劃的「旅途」上，本會競賽部總監已出席最近亞洲足協舉行的講座(新聯賽的賽制將適用於亞協盃的參賽資格)，並根據亞洲足協的指示修訂新聯賽計劃書的內容。

本會總幹事已為新聯賽的章程大綱及細則進行預備工作，並將草擬文件於下一次舉行的聯賽工作會議上呈交，鑒於國際關注的非法操控賽事課題，本會將會於此重點落墨；此外，會議上亦會進行有關商業贊助新聯賽的討論，這將是新聯賽的成功關鍵所在！

      

香港足球訓練中心

已備妥的概念及商業計劃已獲得足總董事局、足球專責小組及香港賽馬會的鼎力支持，有關計劃的最新進度及時間表將會盡快對外公布。

康樂及文化事務署撥款

數月來與康文署舉行的聯席會議取得正面進展及加深夥伴關係，讓香港特區政府對本會增加信任，康文署對本會的撥款亦比去年提高了 41.6%(與去年比較)，以幫助本會技術部門為草根階層提供更多項目和活動。.

國際足聯“Goal”計劃及“Performance”計劃

三月十八日，國際足聯同意為香港足球總會大樓的第二期翻新工程增加五十萬美元的額外撥款，該項為期六個月的翻新工程將盡快展開；同時，因應國際足聯早前的表現評估而提出的各項倡議，其十萬美元的資助金額亦正商討中，這筆款項將會用於本會採用的新系統，以改善公司營運的效率。

最近活動

香港賽馬會支持的「國際青年邀請賽2013」，已於二月十八日至二十日在蒲崗村道公園足球場圓滿結束，香港十三歲代表隊與新加坡、泰國及廣州隊同場競技，而十八歲代表隊亦有幸與來自新加坡、馬來西亞及印度尼西亞的選手們相互比拼，港隊小將們透過是次比賽獲得難能可貴的經驗。

最近香港二十歲代表隊亦參加了在上海舉行的第「十二屆中華人民共和國運動會足球預賽」。

至於由香港賽馬會支持的「2014亞洲足協14歲以下錦標賽外圍賽」於四月十一日至十七日期間完美落幕。

最新聘請的五人足球經理將會全力備戰於六月南韓仁川舉行的亞洲室內運動會，並已決出初步的男子及女子代表隊的球員名單。

教練培訓課程已順利展開，而青年足球領袖(級別一)及(級別二) 課程報名亦反應熱烈。此外，不同級別的亞洲足協和國聯足聯認可的教練培訓課程亦已在籌辦中。同時，為顧及現時註冊足總教練的需要，本會已成立網上圖書館及舉辦不同主題講座，以輔助他們汲取知識。

本地甲組球隊南華將聯袂三支英超球隊包括曼城、托定咸熱刺和新特蘭，共同參加今年夏天於香港舉行的「巴克萊亞洲錦標賽2013」。香港足球總會、聯賽代表和英國大使館文化教育處就有關十萬美元的“Good Causes”基金用途展開討論，尤其是如何從英超球會教練及球證的專業知識中學習和借鏡。

亞洲足協技術總監在四月八日至十日期間曾到訪香港，並參與了本會全新足球發展計劃及教練培訓課程的審視工作。

本會行政總裁(本人)、香港代表隊署理主教練及技術總監將會繼續與香港中文大學、香港大學及醫學專家討論名為「測試、訓練及關顧」的一站式球員福利系統，目的是透過科學化來發展足球運動員，計劃包括心理測試縱向研究來設定每個年齡段的體能基準、發展個性化的運動訓練、體能和生活計劃，以及球員受傷後的關顧、照料和康復進程。

過去六個月的總結

或許你會了解，我個人喜歡以航海作比喻，在過去半年間一直「在甲板上幹活」，務求保持船身穩定、堵塞漏氣及讓船頭指向正確方向，正如賽場上下的可改進之處。

我們已經擁有一些重要的基礎，舉個例，對於「鳳凰計劃」得以如實執行，員工付出的實在功不可沒。

其次，香港足球總會與球迷、傳媒、政府、足球專責小組、香港賽馬會、贊助商等之間有著千絲萬縷的關係，而正面的回響是有助繼續加強鞏固及達至美滿的成果。在市場推廣上，本會將持之以恆地在組織活動上不遺餘力！

關於「鳳凰計劃」下的大型計劃之進度，尤其是香港足球訓練中心的概念及計劃已經得到廣泛團體的接受與支持，而全新的職業聯賽亦已經步入收成期，但要建基於充足的敗政支援才可以與目前的甲組聯賽有所區分。

大部分的額外撥款由國際足聯、康樂及文化事務署、足球專責小組共同承擔，維持本會的營運開支依舊是重中之重，「鳳凰計劃」的執行需要龐大的財政支出，而民政事務局的撥款亦需與預算配合，因此尋找合作夥伴是本會當務之急，部份更已開始進入傾談贊助合約的細節。

總結而言，上述是回顧過去半年內的一些工作進程，但現階段我們不會自滿，深明要建立穩固的根基，我們必須繼續努力付出所有。

未來數月的主要工作包括為各項目籌劃務實的預算，各項重要計劃（包括全新職業聯賽、香港足球訓練中心）的預備工作、新足球發展計劃及未來五年計劃的推行等。此外，亦在其他日常工作如籌劃發展活動、教練培訓及籌備比賽等以外，繼續一些新同事的招聘、內部制度和程序的檢視以至新的憲章文件的籌備等的工作。

香港足球總會的未來，實有賴每位人士的共同協力、以正能量注入動力，才會取得空前成功！