All work and play with scholarship for teenage footballer Philip Wong
Hong Kong winger is able to pursue his academic and sporting ambitions at Lincoln Memorial University in the United States
You can't have it all. Philip Wong knows the saying but has nonetheless found a way to pursue his two passions, soccer and veterinary studies, at the same time.
The 19-year-old winger has received a rare soccer scholarship from the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Tennessee in the United States in recognition of his sporting talent. Starting in September, he will play for the school team in the South Atlantic Conference, a Division II level of competition in the NCAA, while studying for a veterinary degree.
"It is a win-win situation for my academic and sporting career," said Wong, a first-year student in electronic engineering at the Polytechnic University. He took the course because there was no vet school in Hong Kong. "I like biology and the courses are something I am really interested in. This opportunity also reignites my passion for football."
It is a win-win situation for my academic and sporting career. I like biology and the courses are something I am really interested in. This opportunity also reignites my passion for football
Wong was seen as a promising star before his graduation from Diocesan Boys' School last year. He was the sole recipient of the Bauhinia Bowl outstanding footballer award presented by the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation two years ago, and led his school to win the All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying title last year.
But the talented young player missed several chances to reach the next level. In 2013, Wong was spotted by Thai Premier League side Chiangrai United when he represented Hong Kong at the Asian Schools Championship in Thailand.
They invited him to join their training for the next season. "It was a great chance. Football in Thailand is on the rise," he said.
"But I was about to finish my Form Six studies and then take the public exams last year. I had to finish my secondary school education and their league kicked off in spring. I was forced to abandon that opportunity."
He also missed out on the chance to play in Hong Kong's new Premier League. "I trained with BC Rangers for the past two seasons. The training was good but I only played one match," said Wong.
