Brighton & Hove Albion give fans glimpse of bright future with HKFC Soccer Sevens win over Aston Villa
- A healthy youth programme, combined with some clever recruitment has south coast club soaring
- But tournament doesn’t just benefit the British clubs that come, it has a positive impact on the game in Hong Kong too
Brighton & Hove Albion beat defending champions Aston Villa in the final of the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, and gave their fans a glimpse of what the future might hold in the process.
A 2-0 win in Sunday’s final at Hong Kong Football Club was illustrative of the south coast club’s modern, fertile youth programme, and canny recruitment.
Player of the tournament, Luca Barrington, joined from Manchester City in 2022, while final goalscorers Louis Flower and Benicio Baker-Boaitey arrived from Chelsea and FC Porto, respectively.
And while the tournament allowed Brighton, Villa, and other leading British clubs to put some of their younger players under pressure in a different setting, there is benefit too for the hosts.
In return for providing an unfamiliar environment, exposure to a new culture, and stifling heat, Hong Kong got an early glimpse of future gems, while fans rubbed shoulders with Premier League figures. More satisfying all round than paying through the nose to watch Lionel Messi shelter in a dugout.
Hong Kong clubs were quoted up to HK$39 million (US$5 million) to attract Premier League opposition last season. The Post has learned a visit from Atletico Madrid this summer is probable, with confirmation imminent, but the city’s relationship with major English clubs is currently wrapped up in this mutually advantageous competition.
