Soccer Sevens: Brighton, Newcastle, Aston Villa stars introduced to shuttlecock kicking by Hong Kong’s elders
- The shuttlecock is ‘so small that you just feel like you’re kicking the air’, Brighton’s Jack Hinchy says as players meet locals before tournament
- Team captains reveal the factors that could determine who wins this weekend, when Newcastle United target a third successive title
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Brighton & Hove Albion captain Jack Hinchy said he enjoyed “getting a glimpse into the locals’ lives” after playing shuttlecock with some of the city’s elders on the eve of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens, which takes place this Friday to Sunday.
The 20-year-old, who plays central midfield for Brighton’s academy side, was introduced to the “really good fun” sport of jianzi, or shuttlecock kicking – a form of keepy-uppy – by local seniors at an event to promote the tournament.
After marvelling at their skills as they played on the pavement in Hong Kong Island’s Sheung Wan district, he proved to be a fast learner.
“This is the first time I have ever seen or heard anything about it,” Hinchy said. “The locals are really good, because they play it every day.
“[The shuttlecock is] so small that you just feel like you’re kicking the air. You get used to it after a bit, but it’s a totally different kind of sport.”
Hinchy, who has played in Brighton’s first team in the League Cup since arriving from Stockport two years ago, said it was “great” getting involved with the locals.
“Apparently this is what they do every day – it’s just a glimpse into their lives,” he said.
It will be different again when he switches back to a proper ball on Saturday, after some other seniors – former pros – start the Sevens event with Friday’s Masters tournament.
In Brighton’s group are Queens Park Rangers, whose captain Deon Woodman pointed out the biggest difference between seven-a-side and regular football.
“I think for seven-a-side it’s a lot more about tactics,” Woodman said. “If one player is out of position, the opponent can hit on the counter so quickly. Playing sevens is a lot more tiring, because it is shorter and sharper.
“We’ve got some technically really good players. I think we’ve got a good chance to win it.”
Matt Bondswell, who captains the Magpies, said “taking opportunities” was the key to winning a third in a row.
“You might only get one or two opportunities in a game,” he said. “No matter who is getting those chances, it is important to grasp them.”
The 21-year-old also cited concentration, especially with no offside.
“The fitness level needs to be great too because, with a big pitch, there’s a lot of running if you don’t keep the ball.”
Aston Villa reveal who could be the next Grealish in Hong Kong
“There are a lot of players who came here and went on to have really good careers,” he said. “I think it’s a really big opportunity. Looking at Jack Grealish, he’s an inspiration to everyone, having [played here and] come through the same journey we’re on.”
The main tournament starts just after 9am on Saturday, when Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee, who won the cup in 2011, take on Macau team MUST CPK.
Tickets, available from Zicket, cost HK$120 per day on Saturday and Sunday, or HK$200 for the weekend. There is free entry for all on Friday, and for under-16s on all three days.
