Introduced in August 2024, Discovery Day provides opportunities to local Hong Kong families to play rugby. With free entertainment and rugby tutorials, we believe this is a great way to encourage children in Hong Kong to become more active and to try a new sport.
The Latham & Watkins Discovery Day capped off our 7th year of partnership with Latham, one of the world’s leading law firms, with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo. This long-standing sponsorship has enabled us to continue to invest in our Youth Rugby programme.
Youth Rugby at HKFC
Hong Kong Football Clubs’ Rugby Section has youth rugby programmes available for boys and girls, aged 2-18 years old. With over 1,100 children registered, it is the largest youth programme in Hong Kong.
Since Latham began its sponsorship in 2018, we have been able to increase our investment into our youth programme – enabling an enhanced experience in areas such as:
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Paid coaching support from professional coaches at all levels.
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Tour subsidies for every child looking to compete in tournaments regionally.
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Free registration and rugby kit for children from Po Leung Kuk.
Matteo’s Story
Our sponsors have enabled us to foster local talent to star on the world stage. Matteo Avitabile started playing rugby at HKFC in 2009, and played all the way through high school.
In 2018, when Latham’s sponsorship began, Matteo would have been part of the U16s age group – where through our pro-coaching programme, he was mentored by Ben Axten Burrett – a Hong Kong China 15s international player.
“Growing up, HKFC Rugby gave me the foundation I needed as an aspiring rugby player. The facilities and coaching offered were nothing short of world-class, allowing me to develop while fostering a real love for the game. Without the opportunities and guidance I received at HKFC, I wouldn’t be the professional rugby player I am today.”
Ben and Matteo are now teammates for Hong Kong Football Club’s Men’s Premiership team, and Matteo played in the most recent Hong Kong Sevens, a childhood dream of his.
