Hong Kong; May 25, 2015: Aston Villa U-21 coach Gordon Cowans says his side will “do their utmost” to win this week’s HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens at Hong Kong Football Club, where Sunday’s knockout stage will be held the day after Tim Sherwood’s first team face Arsenal in the FA Cup final. Villa’s season has turned around following Sherwood’s appointment in mid-February. The team have since won eight of their last 16 matches in the Premier League and FA Cup, while Jack Grealish – the Soccer Sevens’ top scorer in in 2013 and 2014 – has become a first-team regular and one of the league’s hottest prospects. As the club target a weekend Cup double in Wembley and Hong Kong, Cowans is counting on the likes of left-back Lewis Kinsella and midfielder Riccardo Calder – who have both been part of the first-team squad this season – to help Villa win the Soccer Sevens for the first time since 2010. “We definitely want to win the Cup again. We’re going out there to try and do our best, and we’ll do our utmost to get something out of the competition,” said Cowans, who said spirits at the club had lifted since the arrival of Sherwood, a former teammate at Blackburn Rovers. “The difference since Tim has come into the club has been so positive. He has just lifted everybody and there’s a real positivity about the place. Everybody’s full of confidence, hence the reason why we’re getting the results we are.” After last reaching the Soccer Sevens Cup final in 2012, Villa have twice won the second-tier Shield, but remain easily the event’s most successful side with five wins. Cowans’ side start their campaign on Saturday against Wellington Phoenix, HKFA U-18 and hosts Hong Kong Football Club in Group C. Cowans – a lynchpin of the Villa sides that won the English league in 1981 and the European Cup in 1982 – has included both striker Jerell Sellars and Calder from the 2013 squad, while hard-running right-back Tom Leggett and attacker Harry McKirdy return from last year. Goalkeeper Brad Watkins, Northern Irish midfielder Rory McHale, centre-backs Kodi Lyons-Foster and Niall Mason, and left winger Corey Taylor join Kinsella, 20, as tournament newcomers. “Ricky and Lewis are certainly two players who could make a career for themselves, while Jerell is slightly built but very quick, bright on the ball, goes past people and is clinical with his finishing,” said Cowans, who has experience of the seven-a-side format as a player, having competed in the Masters Tournament. “The Sevens rewards teams with players who can beat people in one-on-ones and we’ve got a few who have a bit of pace and can go past players. “I’m not saying we’re going to come out and definitely win it, but we’ll certainly give it a go and do our best to get as far as we can. I know there are some good sides out there this time.” Villa, West Ham, Stoke City and a Newcastle United side managed by Peter Beardsley, Cowans’ former England teammate, are the top four seeds. Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, 2013 winners Leicester City and Hong Kong champions Kitchee, the 2011 winners and last year’s runners-up, are also top contenders. However, among the pro teams, Villa have the strongest tradition at the Soccer Sevens, which has played a part in the club’s development programme since 2002. Grealish, Gabby Agbonlahor, Nathan Baker, Ciaran Clarke and Andreas Weimann are among Sherwood’s current first-team players who have competed at the Soccer Sevens. Gary Cahill, Craig Gardner, Liam Ridgewell, Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and Nathan Delfouneso have also played for the club in the tournament. “Over the years, Villa have done well to get players through to the first team and a lot of those players have been to the Soccer Sevens. Of this year’s squad, I’d like to think, given time, a couple of them might come through to the first team,” said Cowans, who played 10 times for England from 1983 to 1990. “Obviously from our point of view, working at the Academy through the years, our job is to produce players. “Jack [Grealish] was always going to come through the system with the ability he’s got and I think more players will come through now because Tim likes looking at the young players in training. He knows what quality we’ve got coming through.” The tournament will kick off at 6.00pm on May 29 with 10 Masters group games. Entry is free on the Friday evening, while tickets for the weekend are priced at HK$160 per day or HK$300 for a two-day pass and are available through Cityline (www.cityline.com). Main Tournament Group A: Newcastle United (ENG), Leicester City (ENG), BC Rangers (HKG), Singapore Cricket Club (SIN) Group B: West Ham United (ENG), Kitchee (HKG), Shanghai SIPG (CHN), HKFC Captain’s Select (HKG) Group C: Aston Villa (ENG), Wellington Phoenix (NZL), HKFA U-18 (HKG), Hong Kong Football Club (HKG) Group D: Stoke City (ENG), Atletico Madrid (SPA), HKFA U-20 (HKG), Yau Yee League Select (HKG) Masters Tournament Group A: Wallsend Boys Club (ENG), USRC - BTS (HKG), Kitchee All Stars (HKG), KCC Veterans (HKG), HKFC Veterans (HKG) Group B: Citibank All Stars (ENG), Nottingham Forest Mobsters (ENG), SCC Tigers (SIN), Discovery Bay (HKG), HKFC Chairman’s Select (HKG) For news, team information and match schedule, visit: www.hksoccersevens.com Photos and information credits to HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens

Saturday, 23rd May 2015 in Hong Kong, Japanese women being crowned Asian women’s champions after defeating Hong Kong 27-12. In a tight fought encounter played in testing and difficult conditions the Sakura XV ran in five tries to seal the title in front of a good and vocal crowd that defied the weather that eventually forced the men's test to be abandoned after 13 minutes. Japan No.8 Mateitoga Bogidraumainadave was the standout performer on a day a number of players from both sides caught the eye. The Japan No. 8 scored three tries and ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides. “It feels awesome and still hasn't sunk in,” she said after the game.“We came here wanting to win but we had a really young side. But we played to our strengths in the forwards and kept the pressure on them even when we had the yellow cards.” Japan had three players sent to the sin bin in the second half, including Bogidraumainadave, but they kept their discipline and tackled bravely.Fullback Adrienne Garvey was the pick of the Hong Kong players, creating tries for Ivy Kwong Sau Yan and Natasha Olson-Thorne, but Japan, led by no 15 Ai Tasaka, maintained their composure for the win. The home team defended bravely and trailed 15-12 entering the last quarter before the Japanese ran in two tries in the dying minutes to clinch victory.Maki Takano scored Japan's first try before the victory was wrapped up by Emi Ito, who raced 55 metres for a try following yet another good catch and counter-attack from Tasaka. “In the first half we were a little bit nervous,” said Japan coach Goshi Arimizu, whose side contained four teenagers in the backs.“But we played much better in the second half. The whole purpose of the game was to give the young players experience and I thought (17-year-old centre) Riho Kurogi played really well, especially in the second half. Japan’s win represents a seismic shift in Asian women’s 15s with defending and perennial champions Kazakhstan unseated to finish as runners-up while Hong Kong claimed third spot. More photos at our facebook page

Saturday, 23rd May 2015. It rained on Japan’s parade but Hong Kong did not mind after they finished runners-up to the Asian champions at the inaugural Asia Rugby Championship. Torrential rain forced the finale at Aberdeen Stadium to be abandoned with the result being declared a draw. It gave Hong Kong three valuable points allowing them to finish on 11 points and pip South Korea (eight points). Undefeated Japan was crowned champions even before the match started - holding an unbeatable lead with 18 points. They finished with 21 points, but head coach Eddie Jones was less than pleased as he had hoped to finalise his selections for the World Cup after this match. “We had a number of guys out there playing for World Cup spots and it is quite disappointing in terms of individuals and what the team wanted to achieve,” Jones said. “It wasn’t dangerous to (continue) play and we said we wanted to play and that is why we went out there and trained [after the abandonment of the match] saying we could continue but by then the decision had been made,” Jones said. United Arab Emirates referee Chris Linwood called both teams off the pitch 13 minutes into the match with Japan leading 3-0 through a penalty from skipper Ayumu Goromaru as driving rain turned the pitch into a lake.A twenty-minute rain delay was extended by another twenty minutes but the conditions didn’t get any better forcing the eventual abandonment.“It was unsafe and absolutely the right decision for the referee to say “no”,” said Hong Kong head coach Andy Hall. “It would have been a struggle to have a boat out there let alone play rugby. “The game was important for both teams but it is not worth risking the safety of the players and it was a good decision. The way the conditions were we would have finished second anyway. It wasn’t going to be a game of running rugby and they wouldn’t have got 29 points on us so we would have finished second anyway. “But it is frustrating. Everyone came to watch rugby but commonsense has to prevail,” Hall added. Information credits to ARFU More photos at our facebook page

Hong Kong; May 20, 2015: Glyn Hodges has selected a Stoke City U-21 squad “sprinkled with talent” for next week’s HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens at Hong Kong Football Club, where The Potters will face fellow first-timers Atletico Madrid in Saturday’s group stage. Hodges’ charges include 17-year-old midfielder Ollie Shenton, who was called up to the England U-18s last September and made his Premier League debut for Mark Hughes' first team as a substitute against Manchester City this February. Yusuf Coban, selected for Germany’s U-19s in March, Austria U-21 goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, midfielder Eddy Lecygne (France) and centre-back Ryan O’Reilly (Ireland) are among the squad’s other youth internationals. “We’re going to be competitive,” said Hodges, Stoke’s U-21 head coach since 2013, when Hughes took over as first-team coach before leading the club to successive ninth-places finishes in the Premier League. “Ollie Shenton trains regularly with the first team, Yusuf is a strong player, while Bachmann is an Austria U-21 international who will be meeting up with the national team after he comes back from Hong Kong. We’re sprinkled with a lot of talent.” Hodges’ side have faced England’s other Soccer Sevens contenders in the U-21 Development League, so the former midfielder is excited about facing Atletico Madrid in Group D, which also includes HKFA U-20 and Yau Yee League Select. “The draw’s great for us and it’s going to be a great experience,” Hodges said. “We played against Leicester and West Ham last season, and have played Aston Villa and Newcastle twice this season [in Division Two], so to come over and play Atletico Madrid and the Hong Kong teams is brilliant. It’s an experience we’d want.” Hodges, 52, played for Sing Tao and Instant Dict at the end of a playing career that featured 18 caps for Wales. He believes Hong Kong’s heat and humidity could be the biggest challenge as Stoke try to win on their debut, as Newcastle United did in 2012. “I think Newcastle did absolutely fantastic to win it on their debut. We’re going to come and do as well as we possibly can, but I’m not going to say we’re going to win it outright,” Hodges said. “The things we’re up against are the different sets of players, the Spanish boys and Hong Kong players, but the main thing is the temperature and the humidity. “None of our players will have experienced this so we need to come to terms with it and that’s where Newcastle must have done brilliantly. I’ve experienced it, but it’s tough trying to explain to the boys just how hot and humid it is. The first training session out there will be an eye opener for everyone, I expect.” West Ham, top seeds in Group B, are making their first appearance since 2012 and will bring a young squad from the club’s famed Academy. Strikers Jordan Brown and Djair Parfitt-Williams, and defenders Josh Pask and Alex Pike are among the players to look out for in Mark Phillips’ squad as the Hammers look to win the Cup for the first time. The 16-team Main Tournament features four of the last five champions, with Newcastle United (2012) and Leicester City (2013) facing off in Group A, Hong Kong champions Kitchee (2011) drawn with West Ham in Group B, and five-time winners Aston Villa (2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010) headlining Group C. HKFA U-18 were recently confirmed as the final side in the Main Tournament and join Villa, Wellington Phoenix and Hong Kong Football Club in Group C. The tournament will kick off at 6.00pm next Friday (May 29) with 10 Masters group games. Entry is free on the Friday evening, while tickets for the weekend are priced at HK$160 per day or HK$300 for a two-day pass and are available through Cityline (www.cityline.com). Main Tournament Group A: Newcastle United (ENG), Leicester City (ENG), BC Rangers (HKG), Singapore Cricket Club (SIN) Group B: West Ham United (ENG), Kitchee (HKG), Shanghai SIPG (CHN), HKFC Captain’s Select (HKG) Group C: Aston Villa (ENG), Wellington Phoenix (NZL), HKFA U-18 (HKG), Hong Kong Football Club (HKG) Group D: Stoke City (ENG), Atletico Madrid (SPA), HKFA U-20 (HKG), Yau Yee League Select (HKG) Masters Tournament Group A: Wallsend Boys Club (ENG), USRC - BTS (HKG), Kitchee All Stars (HKG), KCC Veterans (HKG), HKFC Veterans (HKG) Group B: Citibank All Stars (ENG), Nottingham Forest Mobsters (ENG), SCC Tigers (SIN), Discovery Bay (HKG), HKFC Chairman’s Select (HKG) Photos and information credits to www.hksoccersevens.com

[2015年5月20日，香港]: 艾迪治(Jean Baptiste-Aldige)將首次為港披甲，並以殿鋒身份正選上陣，主帥賀爾在正選名單上作出幾個重大改動，希望在「亞洲欖球錦標賽2015」最後一仗能阻止來勢兇兇的日本。 艾迪治將取代 Leighton Asia 香港木球會的A.麥堅( Alex McQueen)，畢竟後者今季已隨七人和十五人隊長期作戰，實在需要好好休息。 過去幾場比賽後備上陣表現出色的飛鋒禾獲克(Niall Rowark)也獲正選機會。 賀爾說：「艾迪治是一名正宗殿鋒，而且一直十分努力練習，所以港隊戰衣是他憑實力爭取回來的。另外我們也不要令A.麥堅過勞，同時藉此加強板凳深度。」 之前3仗皆後備出場的禾獲克將夥拍李卡度鎮守中場，賀爾續說：「禾獲克一直默默耕耘，他後備上場常帶來立竿見影之效，所以他值得正選一席位。」 如果香港要力保亞軍之位，他們今場必要與日本之間的比分差不可多於29分，才有望憑得失球差力壓韓國。 日本上次在東京以41-0輕取香港，隊長曉臣( Nick Hewson)和一眾戰友皆知任務艱難，因為寓賽於操的日本正準備9月的「世界盃」。 為應付火力強大的日本，賀爾相信以攻代守才可出奇制敵，他說：「我們不可坐以待斃，日本也不會手下留情。雖然我們要加強防務，卻絕不會全場死守。」 如香港要力爭第二名，他們也必要攻入達陣，而剛剛在上場落後韓國12-29下也能反勝38-37，為球隊打下強心針 。 賀爾表示：「我們知道很難在日本身上得到韓國一樣的甜頭，但必須把握任何得分機會。」為此，港隊前鋒線的排陣有些微變動，巴迪里、曉臣和林銘寧爭取控球權更為重要。 韋漢森和哈里斯也取代尼爾臣及卓寶的正選位置。上場處子表現優異的格芬繼續與戴亞正選披甲，施比斯和禾獲特將扼守中路，姚錦成和T.麥堅負責側翼攻擊。 後備席也有變化，希尼、羅斯頓和麥艾當獲重召，另外5名前鋒副選為卓寶、尼爾臣、高巴、迪拿科斯和比尼。 賀爾道：「上場的勝利增強我軍信心，我們以往亦曾鬆懈而鑄成大錯。今次正好考驗我們能否保持平穩演出，藉此部署2019年的『世界盃外圍賽』。」 香港隊陣容(5月23日對日本，香港仔運動場，下午4時): 1. 韋漢森; 2. 哈里斯(Alex HARRIS); 3. 柏飛迪(Jack PARFITT); 4. 格芬(Adrian GRIFFITHS); 5. 戴亞(Paul DWYER); 6. 曉臣(Nick HEWSON ) ©; 7. 林銘寧(Matt LAMMING); 8. 巴迪里 (Alex BADDELEY); 9. 李卡度; 10. 禾獲克(Niall ROWARK); 11. 姚錦成; 12. 施比斯(Tyler SPITZ ) ; 13. 禾獲特(Max WOODWARD); 14. T.麥堅(Tom McQUEEN); 15. 艾迪治(Jean-Baptiste ALDIGÉ); 16. 卓寶(Lachlan CHUBB); 17. 尼爾臣(Jack NIELSEN); 18. 高巴(James COOPER); 19. 比尼(Damian BAILEY) 20. 迪拿科斯(Jack DELAFORCE) 21. 羅斯頓 (Adam ROLSTON); 22. 希尼(Gavin HADLEY); 23. 麥艾當(Chris MCADAM) Photo and information credits to Elite Step Asia Limited / 香港欖球總會

[2015年5月12日，香港] 「Red Bull Paper Wings 2015」全球總決賽周日(5月10日)在奧地利薩爾茨堡Red Bull標誌性7號機庫隆重上演，香港派出三位來自澳門的健兒余健樂、馬英、何溢昌挑戰各路好手。經過一番比拼，馬英發揮神勇，奪得「最長飛行時間Longest Airtime」組別總亞軍。而香港隊更憑着初賽穩定的發揮，首度成為全場最佳隊伍、「放飛機大王」，揚威全球！ 只需要一張紙，配以個人的折疊能力、創造力、想像力，以及對飛行原理的基本認識，人人都可以做「機師」衝上雲宵；今屆「Red Bull Paper Wings 2015」全球總決賽就完美展示出這個道理。繼2006、2009、2012年，「Red Bull Paper Wings 2015」總決賽今次已是第四次在奧地利薩爾茨堡Red Bull標誌性7號機庫舉行。今屆賽事共吸引到超過46000人參加，經過了535場預賽，200名來自80個國家及地區的挑戰者成功脫穎而出，這班「機師」個個身懷絕技，絕對是「放飛機」界的精英人馬，可見今屆賽事的水準之高。 「Red Bull Paper Wings 2015」全球總決賽分三個組別舉行，「最遠飛行距離Longest Distance」、「最長飛行時間Longest Airtime」及「花式飛行 Aerobatics」；當中以「最長飛行時間」項目競爭最為激烈。三位選手Karen Hambardzumyan（阿美尼亞隊）、馬英（香港隊）及Yohei Hayashi（日本隊）全都做出超過１２秒（騰空時間）的傑出成績，鬥得難分難解。結果，Karen Hambardzumyan以14秒36的成績奪冠，馬英則以13秒76緊隨其後得第二。 賽後澳門紀錄保持者馬英表現興奮，他表示：「Red Bull Paper Wings 2015真 是一個很有趣的賽事。這次是我玩紙飛機以來，首次連續四天無間斷放飛機！另外，今次是我首次踏足歐洲，令我可以接觸不同國家選手，學習他們的文化，其中更 可以與世界紀錄保持者碰頭，向他請教、偷師，真是一個很難忘的經驗。我相信經過今次賽事洗禮，我會變得更強，將我的放飛機技術推向另一個層次。」 至於「最遠飛行距離Longest Distance」，則由保加尼亞選手Veselin Ivanov封王。而「花式飛行 Aerobatics」方面，則由黎巴嫩選手Avedis TCHAMITCHIAN成為冠軍，而香港隊代表余健樂則得到第五名。 雖然香港隊未能在「Red Bull Paper Wings 2015」全球總決賽個人賽中贏取冠軍，卻憑三位成員在初賽團結一致穩定演出下，以總分21分成為最佳隊伍。最佳隊伍的計算方法是以每位隊員在初賽的排名總計，積分最低者為勝。香港隊代表在初賽分別於「最遠飛行距離Longest Distance」、「最長飛行時間Longest Airtime」及「花式飛行 Aerobatics」排11、4及6位。獲獎的香港隊更獲大會招待試玩高空跳傘作為冠軍獎勵。 Red Bull Paper Wings 2015 全球總決賽賽果： 最長飛行時間Longest Airtime :- 1. Veselin IVANOV (BUL) - 53,22米 2. Jovica KOZLICA (CRO) - 51,22米 3. Yuki KAJIYA (JPN) - 50,05米 花式飛行 Aerobatics :- 1. Avedis TCHAMITCHIAN (LBN) - 50分 2. Tomasz CHODYRA (POL) - 47分 3. Ryan NACCARATO (USA) - 46分 最遠飛行距離Longest Distance :- 1. Karen HAMBARDZUMYAN (ARM) - 14,36秒 2. 馬英 (香港) - 13,76秒 3. Yohei HAYASHI (JPN) - 12,18秒 最佳隊伍 :- 香港 - 21分 資料和相片來自 Red Bull HK http://www.redbullpaperwings.com

[2015年5月10日 - 香港]: 由MegaBox 及Mega Ice主辦 ---- 嘉里建設呈獻之全亞洲最大型冰球賽-「2015 Mega Ice五人冰球賽」今年第8年舉行，成人組別昨日(5月9 日)圓滿落幕，上演共七場戰況激烈決賽，冠軍逐一誕生。 昨天有14支隊伍在7場決賽中碰頭，HKAHC 創安隊(HKAHC Homley Sportwear) 率先成為出爐冠軍，兩隊勢均力敵，HKAHC 創安隊最終在亞洲C組決賽以2-0 擊敗本地隊伍刀之隊(Blades)。 國際A組賽事引人入勝，實力叮噹馬頭的兩隊過江龍來自新加坡的Pandoo Nation與阿布扎比的Abu Dhabi Theebs鬥得難分難解，Pandoo Nation最終以3-2擊敗Abu Dhabi Theebs。 同日的第三場決賽由香港冬季運動俱樂部(Gold Club)及Kung Pow Kings這兩支本地球隊爭奪亞洲A組冠軍寶座，雙方在法定時間及加時均無進帳，最終以點球分勝負，香港冬季運動俱樂部以2-0力克對手封皇。 來自加拿大的Nordic 維京人隊(Nordic Vikings)與香港的Kung Pow Kings合演的國際B組決賽，兩軍要以點球分勝負，最後前者以2-1勝出。 而女子組決賽，上屆亞軍阿布扎比風暴隊 (Abu Dhabi Storms)極具侵略性，本土力量WIHO Angels幾經苦戰下在加時以2-1奪標。 Hong Kong Hitmen和 I-Guard武士隊 (I-Guard Knights)合力打造一場讓觀衆直冒冷汗的國際組(40+)錦標爭霸戰，Hong Kong Hitmen在加時脫穎而出，最後取得2-1的勝利，坐上冠軍寶座。 昨日的壓軸好戲是亞洲B組決賽，香港冬季運動俱樂部與日本的Tokyo Mavericks施展渾身解數，為座無虛席的Mega Ice提供高水平的冰球比賽。但香港冬季運動俱樂部技勝一籌，小勝1-0贏得這次高手過招的較量。 冰場以外同樣精彩，除了刺激的比賽，青少年組和成人組決賽日每場決賽結束後有即場問答遊戲，球迷有機會嬴得限量版賽事球員紀念套裝。今年亦於賽事12天期間舉行多個娛樂活動，包括模擬冰場拍照區，公眾可扮演冰球手，拍下場上劍拔弩張畫面。 為了吸引更多觀衆參與這項冰球壇盛事，今年再次舉辦「我最喜愛冰球隊伍」及「我最喜愛冰球球衣」公眾投票活動，參加者透過實體投票、Facebook(www.facebook.com/megaicehk) 或Instagram投票，有機會獲贈紀念品乙份。公眾亦可瀏覽賽事官方網頁學習冰球冷知識及參加冰球小遊戲。 今屆有近100支隊伍聚首香港，包括：澳洲、曼谷、北京、加拿大、東莞、香港、湖北、印尼、菲律賓、卡塔爾、上海、深圳、新加坡、泰國、天津、東京、阿聯酋和美國，其中賽事的新臉孔、美國的Zero Pucks Given(女子組)和重投賽事懷抱、來自澳洲的悉尼魔鬼魚隊(Sydney Stringrays)[國際A組] ，合力將賽事再次打造成亞洲最大型的冰球賽事。 賽事每年均吸引過千名本地、亞洲和世界各地好手雲集全港最大和唯一符合規格舉辦國際冰球比賽的場地Mega Ice，一決高下。 「Mega Ice五人冰球賽」自2008年首辦以來已成為亞洲年度冰球壇盛事，並於2012年首次獲得「香港品牌」認可後，今屆比賽已是連續四年被予以肯定。 「2015 Mega Ice五人冰球賽」成人組賽事各組別盟主一覽 :- 女子組 - WIHO Angels 亞洲 A組 - 香港冬季運動俱樂部 (Gold Club) 亞洲 B 組 - 香港冬季運動俱樂部(Gold Club) 亞洲C組 - HKAHC 創安隊 (HKAHC Homley Sportwear) 國際組(40歲以上) - Hong Kong Hitmen 國際A組 - Pandoo Nation 國際B組 - Nordic 維京人隊(Nordic Vikings) 資料來自 Elite Step Asia / 「2015 Mega Ice五人冰球賽」 More photos at our facebook page...

[2015年5月5日 - 香港]: 由MegaBox 及Mega Ice主辦 ---- 嘉里建設呈獻「2015 Mega Ice五人冰球賽」，已經第8年舉行，接近100支球隊來自世界各地18個國家或城市的逾1,500名冰球好手，將角逐亞洲最大型的冰球賽事之「Mega Ice五人冰球賽」盟主之位。 今日假比賽場地Mega Ice舉行的成年組開球禮，由香港特別行政區民政事務局副局長許曉暉女士、香港旅遊發展局總經理(節目及旅遊產品拓展)洪忠興先生、以及一眾參賽國家或城市包括澳洲、加拿大、日本、菲律賓和新加坡的駐港領事館代表主禮。 今屆成年組競爭之烈較以往過之而無不及，崔護重來的澳洲挑戰者悉尼魔鬼魚隊(Sydney Stingrays)(國際B組)和來自美國、處子登場的Zero Pucks Given(女子組共有7隊)，必定令球迷大開眼界。 一眾本地好手也磨拳擦掌，在主場球迷前盡顯本領，兩屆亞洲A組冠軍Hong Kong Hitmen (2013及2014年)目標實現三連霸，而以香港隊為主要班底的香港冬季運動俱樂部(Gold Club)力圖衛冕亞洲B組冠軍。 今年2 月在香港首辦的『國際冰球聯合會女子組世界冰球錦標賽(第二組別B組資格賽)』亦在Mega Ice上演，港隊取得亞軍的成績，坐擁大部份港隊成員的本土勁旅WIHO的女子組衛冕之路荊棘滿途，參賽球隊由上年的5隊增至今年的7隊，而且底蘊未明的Zero Pucks Given和2013年冠軍阿布達比風暴隊(Abu Dhabi Storms)將扮演攔路虎。 「Mega Ice五人冰球賽」每年均吸引過千名本地、亞洲和世界各地好手雲集全港最大和唯一符合規格舉辦國際冰球比賽的場地Mega Ice，一決高下。 「Mega Ice五人冰球賽」自2008年首辦以來，已成為亞洲年度冰球壇盛事，賽事自2012年首次獲得「香港品牌」認可後，今屆比賽已是連續四年被予以肯定。「香港品牌」的嘉許是賽事持續發展的重要動力，亦是吸引本港球迷和外地遊客感受香港活力都市的一大亮點。 除了刺激的比賽，青少年組和成人組決賽日每場決賽結束後會有即場問答遊戲，球迷有機會嬴得限量版賽事球員紀念套裝。冰場以外同樣精彩，今年將於賽事12天期間舉行多個娛樂活動，包括設於MegaBox G的模擬冰場拍照區，讓公眾可扮演冰球手，拍下場上劍拔弩張畫面。 為了吸引更多觀衆參與這項冰球壇盛事，今年將再次舉辦「我最喜愛冰球隊伍」及「我最喜愛冰球球衣」公眾投票活動，參加者透過實體投票、 Facebook(www.facebook.com/megaicehk) 或Instagram投票，即機會獲贈紀念品乙份。公眾亦可瀏覽賽事官方網頁學習冰球冷知識及參加冰球小遊戲。 今日的開球禮上，Mega Ice 安排了冰上舞獅表演，將中國傳統文化與冰球激情融為一體。 有關「Mega Ice五人冰球賽」賽事資訊，請瀏覽官方網 www.megaice.com.hk 或致電: (852) 2709 4023 。 資料來自Elite Step Asia / 「2015 Mega Ice五人冰球賽」 More photos at our facebook page...

Hong Kong; May 5, 2015: Peter Beardsley has pinpointed rising star Callum Roberts and 6-foot 4-inch Tom Heardman as key players for Newcastle United at the 16th HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens, which will be held at Hong Kong Football Club from May 29-31. Newcastle won the Cup on their tournament debut in 2012, lost to Leicester City in the 2013 final and suffered an agonising semi-final exit last year after giving up a two-goal lead against Kitchee. Managing the team for a third straight year, Beardsley has singled out 18-year-old Roberts, who made his senior debut against Leicester City in the FA Cup in January, and Heardman, 19, as ones to watch a year after debutant Rolando Aarons was the team’s star with five goals. “Callum Roberts could be an exciting talent this year. He has pace, trickery and can score great goals. He’s got unbelievable ability and has already had a taste of the first team this season,” said Beardsley, who played for England from 1986-96, including at two World Cup finals. “Big Tom Heardman will probably be our main striker and could be a very important player for us. With all due respect to him, he’s probably not an out-and-out goalscorer, but he does a great job for the team and will bring others into play. “It’s a great competition and as it gets further on, the crowds get bigger. When the final comes around it’s an amazing experience and we would love to lift the Cup again.” While Roberts and Heardman will be making their Soccer Sevens debuts, Beardsley has included five players with tournament experience in his 10-man squad, a contrast to last year when only goalkeeper Jak Alnwick had been before. Striker Alex Gilliead, Turkish midfielder Daniel Barlaser and defensive trio Macaulay Gillesphey, Callum Williams and Adam Laidler all return from last year, when Newcastle looked set to reach the Cup final for a third year in a row before losing 3-2 to Kitchee after extra-time. “We were brilliant until we lost against Kitchee, having been 2-0 up. The way we went out was disappointing, but we had played really well and the players loved the tournament. They really embraced everything about it, enjoyed the experience and it has done them a lot of good,” Beardsley said. “This time we have five players from last year, so that tournament experience could help. They know what to expect, they loved what they experienced and will tell the others how good it was. Last year we were naive in a couple of things, but it’s a learning experience and the players are much better off for having gone through it.” Newcastle are the top seeds in Group A, which also features 2013 winners Leicester City, Hong Kong Premier League club BC Rangers and Singapore Cricket Club. However, Beardsley is most excited about the addition of reigning Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, who will be the first Spanish side to compete at the Soccer Sevens. “I think the presence of Atletico Madrid is a huge bonus this year. It’s incredible,” Beardsley said. “When you look at where they are right now as a football club, they are one of the best teams in Spain and a top club who do things the right way. I hope we get the chance to play them.” Atletico Madrid will compete in Group D with English debutants Stoke City, HKFA U-20 and Yau Yee League Select. In Group B, West Ham United will face Hong Kong champions Kitchee – the 2011 winners and last year’s finalists – Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG and HKFC Captain’s Select Group C features five-time champions Aston Villa, first-timers Wellington Phoenix of New Zealand, a Hong Kong Premier League team to be confirmed and hosts Hong Kong Football Club. In the Masters Tournament for over-35 players, Wallsend Boys Club and Usrc - BTS are the top seeds in Group A, which also features HKFC Veterans, Kowloon Cricket Club and debutants Kitchee All Stars. Seeds Citibank All Stars and Nottingham Forest Mobsters headline Group B, which includes SCC Tigers, Discovery Bay and HKFC Chairman’s Select. This year’s 10-team Masters Tournament has a new format, starting with two round-robin groups followed by the Plate final between the third-placed teams in each group, Cup semi-finals for the top two teams in each group and the Cup final. Entry is free on the Friday evening, while tickets for the weekend are priced at HK$160 per day or HK$300 for a two-day pass and are available through Cityline (www.cityline.com). The tournament will kick off at 6.00pm on May 29 with 10 Masters group games. Main Tournament Group A: Newcastle United (ENG), Leicester City (ENG), BC Rangers (HKG), Singapore Cricket Club (SIN) Group B: West Ham United (ENG), Kitchee (HKG), Shanghai SIPG (CHN), HKFC Captain’s Select (HKG) Group C: Aston Villa (ENG), Wellington Phoenix (NZL), HK Premier League Club 2 (HKG), Hong Kong Football Club (HKG) Group D: Stoke City (ENG), Atletico Madrid (SPA), HKFA U-20 (HKG), Yau Yee League Select (HKG) Masters Tournament Group A: Wallsend Boys Club (ENG), Usrc - BTS (HKG), Kitchee All Stars (HKG), Kowloon Cricket Club (HKG), HKFC Veterans (HKG) Group B: Citibank All Stars (INT), Nottingham Forest Mobsters (ENG), SCC Tigers (SIN), Discovery Bay (HKG), HKFC Chairman’s Select (HKG) For More Information: Website – www.hksoccersevens.com Facebook – www.facebook.com/hksoccer7s Twitter – @hksoccer7s ‪#‎hksoccer7s‬ Information credits to the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens

[2015年5月2日 - 香港]: 由MegaBox 及Mega Ice主辦 ---- 嘉里建設呈獻、全亞洲最大型的冰球賽 -「2015 Mega Ice五人冰球賽」青少年組別今日(5月2 日)上演決賽日，在全港唯一符合規格舉辦國際冰球比賽的場地Mega Ice舉行，青少年組賽事由「香港業餘冰球會」冠名贊助。 全日10場決賽，飛揚雄鷹A隊在Atom A 組決賽擊敗零度陽光麒麟隊(Zero Sunshine Kylin)勇奪冠軍，成為青少年組首支稱王的隊伍。接著登場的是Atom AA組決賽，勝利希望以1-0 險勝動力小子。 下午的決賽有Mini Squirt A組冠軍戰，東莞閃電隊以6-0大勝Canstar 流浪隊(Canstar Ranger)稱皇，而香港精英隊則在Mini Squirt AA組決賽中以6-2 力壓勝利龍，奪得錦標。 至於Squirt A 組有冰球熊貓隊(Hockey Panda)大戰香港冬季運動俱樂部(Gold Club)，冰球熊貓隊經歷一場苦戰，最終以3-2令香港冬季運動俱樂部俯首稱臣。Squirt AA組的決賽中，香港精英隊輕取中華台北5-1成爲冠軍。 面對Pilipinas的強勁攻勢，帝國冰球會(Empire Skates)沉著應戰，最終勇奪Pee Wee A組冠軍。緊接其後的Pee Wee AA組決賽，香港精英隊大勝 Meco鳳凰隊(Meco Phoenix) 5-1掄元。 壓軸登場的Bantam組決賽緊湊精彩， Bantam A組由新加坡冰龍隊(Singapore Ice Dragons)與Dbees對壘，雙方攻守互換，戰況激烈，最後新加坡冰龍隊鎖定5-1勝局。而青少年組別最後一場決賽是Bantam AA組，香港精英隊在強攻下輕鬆取得勝利，以4-1擊敗上海雷鳥隊。 賽事吸引了逾千名冰球好手來自世界各地18個國家或城市，合力將賽事再次打造成亞洲最大型的冰球賽事，雲集全港最大和唯一符合規格舉辦國際冰球比賽的場地Mega Ice，一決高下。 「Mega Ice五人冰球賽」自2008年首辦至今踏入8週年，並已成為亞洲年度冰球壇盛事，並於2012年首次獲得「香港品牌」認可後，今屆比賽已是連續四年被予以肯定。 資料來自 Elite Step Asia /「2015 Mega Ice五人冰球賽」大會 More photos at our facebook page...