Laser focused on one sport - Yume Chow

12/07/2019

Most parents would love it if their children were proficient in many sports. Yume Chow, a student at the HKRSS Tai Po Secondary School who is known as a “big sister” to the other students, was once such a child. Not only did she play dodgeball and basketball, but she also once served as the chairperson of the sports society and has tried her hand in many different sports. However, Yume feels that she’s gotten the most out of football, and has since given up all other sports. Through playing football and participating in the HKJC N-League, Yume has gotten to know a good group of friends and “younger sisters”. Being part of a football team has also taught her how to get along with others and has given her future goals to aim for.

• 
  Yume Chow is known as the “big sister” of HKRSS Tai Po Secondary School girls football team.

As the team’s “big sister”, her bark is worse than her bite

The HKRSS Tai Po’s Secondary School has participated in the N-League for two seasons. During their games, one can always hear Yume’s voice ringing loud and clear as the team’s captain – reminding the players of their positions and tactics. Yet when her teammates are injured or being treated unfairly, she is the first to run over and care for or stand up for them, and this has earned her the nickname of “big sister”.

Being super active, Yume had participated in many different sports before finally settling on football. Currently, she plays for the Tai Po Girls U18 in the Jockey Club’s Girls’ League. She is more experienced than the other players from other schools; and the skills and attitude she has learnt from being on the district team she shares with the “younger sisters” on the school team.

Learning to manage the team

Yume can be described as being tough on the outside but soft on the inside – she seems tough, but he is actually quite gentle and considerate both with the team and at home. She has a brother who is two years younger; and although they sometimes quarrel, she cooks dinner for him every day. At school, Yume points to her teacher and coach William Chang as one who always takes care of his students and players. She said that he has one way of dealing with students in class and another on the pitch: “In class, he is very serious; but after class, even if we make fun of him, he still keeps a smile on his face,” Yume explained. “He says that football isn’t just about who wins and who loses, but how much fun you have while playing the game.”

Coach Chang has been her coach for nearly five years, and when Yume became the captain of the team, he relied on and trusted her to manage the team’s affairs. Yume as the team’s “big sister” is a very caring manager and follows Coach Chang’s style. “I am very friendly with the “little sisters” on the team and rarely scold them during practices. However, I take disciplinary issues seriously. For example, I’ll definitely give them a warning if they’re eating sweets while playing!”

Staying self-motivated as she looks forward to representing Hong Kong

The N-League is not only the stage upon which Yume has realised her leadership abilities, it has also given the girls of the North District the chance to meet and interact. Yume, who has completed two seasons with the N-League, believes that the most memorable event has been the live webcast of the N-League Finale at the end of each season as this has made the public pay more attention to the development of girls’ football. The players can also improve their game by watching the video replays.

In the last game of this season, Yume showed off with an incredible “curly banana shot” that surprised even senior commentator Li Tak-nang. Yume laughed and said: “I watched the replay two or three times. In fact, I didn’t really intend to shoot for the goal!” Rather than reviewing her one excellent goal, Yume thinks that it is more important to learn from the post-game review with the team: “Coach Chang gets us all together to watch the video replay. He points out where we could have used the ball or our positions better; how we can improve, and how to avoid making the same mistakes in future.”

Finding direction from football sees dad finally lend his support

While the N-League has attracted many fans, HKRSS Tai Po Secondary School is actually far from where the tournament is held, and this has made it difficult for students to support the team when they play. Yume admits that she envies the other teams who have many fans cheering them on: “If there were students cheering for us when we play, then we would definitely be more motivated. Even if we were down, we will still fight hard to win.” At this year’s finale, Yume’s mom came to support her. “My mom asked me just one thing: ‘do you need me to buy you water?’. I know she had other things to do, but she put them off and instead came to watch me play.” In fact, Yume’s mom comes to watch her play every weekend. To Yume, this kind of silent support is more powerful than words.

Yume’s mom used to be a kindergarten teacher, and this has left a great impression on Yume who also wants to be a teacher in future. “My dad is more conservative and thinks that girls should not play football. But as soon as I told him that I hope to become a physical education teacher in future, his attitude changed and he now supports me. Maybe it’s because he sees a future in teaching or feels that being a teacher is more impressive. If women’s football turns professional one day, maybe my dad will support it.”

It’s natural for parents to be concerned about their children’s future. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for women players to become professional coaches. We hope that Yume can find a balance between football and her career and become a successful teacher and player.

 “If I had to do it over again, I would still pick football because it is more fun to play. Most of my friends I know because of football. Compared to other sports, football requires a lot of teamwork to play it well.” Although Yume came to football relatively late compared to all the other sports she used to play, she chose this road without regret and looks forward to playing on the Hong Kong team in future. “I know I am still far from my goal, however, I will be more demanding of myself. I hope that with hard work and perseverance I will reach it. My short-term goal is to be promoted from the Youth Team to the Tai Po First Team. I believe that it won’t take long to reach this goal.”

At the same time, Yume hopes that the HKRSS Tai Po Secondary School can really breakthrough in the N-League, and that her “younger sisters” will have the right attitude and enjoy great team spirit!

From her first football experience to playing in the N-League and the Girls’ League, Yume has found her life’s goal in football and remains focused on moving forward. Who says real success can’t be found in only one sport?!