Well-prepared parents take the lead in HKJC Soccer 4

08/04/2019

This year’s HKJC “Pass It On” Parents Workshop ended on a high note with all of the parents reluctant to see it end. During the three workshops, around 60 parents learnt about the different aspects in football through seminars, guest sharing sessions, and exchange of views with the players. This format helped to create a memorable experience with their children. Now, 28 parents will go on to take their first step as a coach, leading their children in HKJC Soccer 4, an event at the Riding High Together Festival which will be held during Easter at Sha Tin Racecourse. There, they will apply the skills they have learnt at the workshop and spend an unforgettable holiday with their children building unique memories.

Chan Wai-ho: Football is the best parent-child communication channel

The series of workshops encompassed topics such as: children sports psychology; sports nutrition; football and youth development; referee and rules, and the life of football players. These diverse offerings gave parents a holistic understanding of football. The third workshop was introduced by Yim Yau Cheung, Referee Manager of Hong Kong Football Association, who spoke about the rules of the game and the duties of a referee. Chan Wai-ho, a local football player representing Hong Kong for 17 years, had also been invited to share with the audience how football helped him communicate with his parents and now his own children: “My parents have always been very supportive of my football dream. I was not gifted in studying. One day, I told my mother: ‘I want to quit school and join a football club to play football’. She responded: ‘Sure. Do what your heart wants.’ I was a bit shocked at that moment, and also touched. Now I fully support my two children in pursuing their interests – as long as they are passionate about it and if those are healthy interests.”

Sharing sessions inspire parents

Yim Yau Cheung, who is also a father, said: “My son is now 21 years old and he still chats with me often. I taught him about life using football as an example – such as in a game you cannot always win. The important thing is what you have learnt and experienced.”

All parents found the workshop very informative, which made it hard for them to say goodbye to it. Mrs. Chow expressed: “The three workshops seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. It’s hard to say goodbye.” She thinks that Yim Yau Cheung’s sharing session was most impressive: “He talked about respect, which I found really impressive. One not only should respect each other on the field, but also in life.” She and her husband wanted to give special thanks to the Club for offering them this chance to learn different aspects about football and the true meaning behind it. Mr. Chow said: “I used to be very concerned when my son lost or won a game, but after hearing what the guest speakers had to say, I realised that we should not force our own opinions onto our children, but to allow them to go play freely and develop their potential, while we continuously stand beside them to offer support and accompany them to grow.”

Sharing ideas inspires parents

Dicky and Summer Cheung expressed that they had learnt a great deal from the workshops: “What impressed me the most was Yuet Ching Man’s sharing session during the first workshop. Her persistence in following her football dream really touched my heart. She also made me understand that only parents’ support can help children fly higher and further.” Dicky and Summer will be parent coaches at the HKJC Soccer 4 held during Easter at Sha Tin Racecourse. There, they hope to create memories together with their son, and start the journey toward becoming his best partners as he grows up.