What is the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens?
The world’s best seven-a-side football tournament. It is played outdoors on an almost full-sized pitch and matches are typically seven minutes per half, although finals and some other matches can be 10 minutes each way. In the knockout rounds, in the event of a draw, the winners are decided by extra time (in which teams are reduced to four-a-side) then penalties.
Who are the teams?
There are two categories. The Main Tournament is open-age group (although all players must be at least 16) and features youth and academy teams from some of the top clubs in Europe and more senior sides from across Asia-Pacific. Teams that have appeared in the past include Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, West Ham, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Celtic, Rangers, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax.
The Masters Tournament is for players aged 35 and over and features former stars from Europe’s top leagues. Greats such as Peter Beardsley, Jürgen Klinsmann, John Barnes, Jari Litmanen, Andy Cole, Matt Le Tissier, Des Walker, Didier Six, Mustapha Hadji, Mark Walters and Michael Thomas have appeared in recent years.
Where is it played?
At Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. HKFC is one of Asia’s premier sports clubs with excellent facilities and is conveniently located in the heart of Hong Kong Island, a short walk from Causeway Bay MTR.
General spectators access the stadium via the Public Entrance, accessed via Wong Nai Chung Road, just a short walk from the main Hong Kong Football Club entrance. VIPs, sponsors, club members and accredited media can enter via the main Hong Kong Football Club entrance.
For more details, visit: http://hksoccersevens.com/guide/venue/
When is it played?
Always on a weekend in May – the exact dates may vary from year to year depending on a number of factors, including the European football calendar. Pool matches are played on Friday evening and all-day Saturday, then the knockout stages are played all-day Sunday. Trophies on offer in the Main Tournament are the Cup, Shield and Plate, while teams in the Masters play for their own Cup and Plate.
How much is it?
Entry is free on the Friday evening, while tickets for the weekend need to be bought.