Tackling difficulties by taking advantage of world-class expertise
24/10/2019
Women’s football is enjoying an upward trend, and the development of this sport in Hong Kong is beginning to show some positive results. However, the biggest challenge remains the lack of resources and coaching talents. Recognising this, The Hong Kong Jockey Club invited Michelle Wilcock, Coach of Manchester United Soccer Schools, to Hong Kong to host a two-night women’s football coaching workshop. Hong Kong Women’s Football Manager Betty Wong hoped that by taking advantage of Michelle’s expertise, Hong Kong women’s football would be better able to tackle their difficulties.
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Betty (left) hoped that by taking advantage of Michelle’s expertise, Hong Kong women’s football could tackle their difficulties.
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Michelle briefs the local players before training.
Every player must set goals
Betty said that as the number of women’s football players is increasing, coaching talents are running short. A coach sometimes needs to manage a large number of players whose playing abilities are uneven. For example, at the school level, a Hong Kong women’s football team player may be on the same team as a novice. It is difficult for team training to focus on each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
In fact, Michelle also shared a similar situation in UK. She coaches a football team formed by players with cerebral palsy, and each has different physical mobility levels due to the differences in their condition. Michelle said, “You need to help each player set their own goals so they are motivated to keep working hard and achieving them.”
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Michelle shares her experience with local coaches.
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Wan King-yin (right) said that the workshop was a lot of fun and that she learnt a lot.
Simple and direct demonstration broadens local coaches’ view
During the workshop, Michelle combined theory and practical training, and also personally demonstrated her points in order to show how simple it was to encourage the players try their best. This was of huge benefit to the local coaches. Betty received a lot of positive feedback from the coaches, even those who hold higher qualifications.
Wan King-yin, one of the participants, said after the workshop: “She quickly let the players understand the focus of the training which maximised the results.” Betty added: “Every coach has his own interpretation of the same theory. As a coach instructor of the English FA, Michelle’s way of delivering the session was simple and direct. That really broadened our view!”
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When a young player asked Michelle how many famous football stars she had met, Michelle smiled and said: “Quite a lot; but what makes me the happiest is meeting future stars like you and your fellow players.”
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Michelle is pleased with the efforts paid to the development of women’s football in Hong Kong.
Looking forward to connecting local women’s football with the world
Michelle is also pleased that Hong Kong is committed to the development of women’s football. “We have got a lot of passionate coaches here, and there are organisations willing to support the sports. Betty has told me that Hong Kong has had more young girls playing football, and this is a very good start.”
Betty said that the Hong Kong women’s football team is aiming to qualify for the 2030 Asian Cup. “Some of the young players will play a key role by that time. I believe that after receiving systematic training, they will qualify for the finals of the Asian Cup.” Betty also hopes that more similar workshops could be hosted in future, and she looks forward to connecting Hong Kong women’s football with the world.
