New Year’s Day Tournament Recap

On the 1st of January 2025, Hong Kong Football Club played host to the annual New Year’s Day Youth Tournament – in what was the 57th edition of Hong Kong China Rugby event. With trials taking place in late 2024, players from across clubs in Hong Kong and from schools overseas join up to compete as either the “Hong Kong Dragons” or “Overseas Lions”.

45 players from HKFC were selected to play in this year’s tournament, with HKFC also represented strongly through the coaching and managing ranks. A special shoutout must go to both Luke Bannon (U19 Boys) and Lea El-Asmar (U16 Girls) who were selected as the Best and Fairest Players in their respective matches. Lea El-Asmar was also awarded the prestigious Larry Abel Trophy for the Best & Fairest Player across the whole tournament; previous winners include current & prior Hong Kong China internationals (e.g. Natasha Olson-Thorne, Keith Robertson).

Congratulations to all players, coaches & managers who took part!