99 teams took part in this year’s tournament (a record number). It was the first time the Junior 6s participated in our tournament. It was also fantastic to see so many ‘new to hockey’ participants enjoying their very first tournament event. In particular, it was fantastic to welcome the Tai Po Titans, a brand new hockey club, who have only just this last 12 months established a junior programme under the support and guidance of the HKHA P&D Committee.

A huge amount of thanks must be shared, and as with all junior festivals and tournaments, there are too many to name individually. However, I am very grateful for the support of many. Firstly, to the HKFC Management and Staff for their professional hand in helping with a number of key pieces of the puzzle needed to make the event go ahead and to be the success it is year after year. To the participating teams, their coaches and parents, who all took part with great enthusiasm and positivity. To the huge number of volunteers who helped prepare and support the event on the day (well over 100 HKFC Hockey Section Seniors and Youth players as well as Junior Hockey parents). To our team of umpires (managed expertly by Al Clarke), many of whom are from the HKFC Premier Division teams or Youth squads, including some willing and capable youth players from the Valley RFC hockey programme (youth umpiring is an area we will continue to support and help develop going forward). To the HKFC teams, expertly managed by our Age Group Managers (Sam Edwards, Chris Hattam, Mel Miers, Claire Cairns, Sim Archer-Perkins and Sophie Lindsay), our magnificent coaches (most ably led by Dev, Ishtiaq and Ahmed), and our loyal cheering squads, who were all massively involved and supportive. By no means least, to my small but highly efficient Festival Committee team mates, Helen Dowding, Ellie Poulton, Nari Kennedy Price and Anika Deblank.

We must also thank Shutterbox who provided a fun photo booth and our Hockey Section sponsors for their continuous support: Norton Fulbright Rose, Liquidnet, Splendid Group, Smart Key. 

The following table of results and individual awards demonstrates the strength of junior hockey across the city, with a number of different teams performing well across the various age groups and divisions. It was, as always, delightful to see the little ones all enjoying themselves so much, but to also witness some very talented children, particularly in the J10 and J12 age groups, who are beginning to show maturity in their skill execution and game play. Credit to the many hard working coaches who are all sharing their knowledge with the next generation or players (and one day coaches also perhaps).

Well done all! Already looking forward to the next one…

Simon Chapman, Director of Hockey Hong Kong Football Club