CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School
24/05/2018
Football without borders as CMACCK embraces diversity
Located in Tuen Mun, CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School (CMACCK) has a student population comprised of nearly 80 percent ethnic minorities, including from Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Finland and Spain. The fact that the students are academically divided into Chinese and non-Chinese-speaking classes has not stopped them from staying united. The school’s football team, led by teacher-in-charge Kenneth Tam, is one of the most competitive teams in the district. It is a harmonious team despite the players’ different backgrounds, and reflects the school’s focus on embracing a diverse community.
Enhancing ethnic harmony and all-rounded development
The HKJC School Football Development Scheme and CMACCK share the same value of embracing cultural diversity. Through football, both encourage students to learn about teamwork and to get along with each other. Kenneth opined that the scheme has complemented the cultural development of the school, and that football is the right medium to bond students from different countries and cultures. Through football, students can build up their skills in various areas and achieve all-rounded development.
Without a doubt, both coaches and players have benefited greatly from the HKJC School Football Development Scheme. Thapa Saru Magar Bom Bahadur, more commonly known as Bom, is a Nepalese player born in Hong Kong who said he was so inspired by Christopher O’Brien (OB), Head Coach of Manchester United Soccer School Hong Kong that he and his teammates are no longer afraid of failure. They have become more expressive in showing their talents and are more willing to attempt new things; as a result, they have gradually shown improvement. Bom said that he was particularly impressed by OB’s reminder to have good manners and a positive attitude when playing football and talking to teammates. Bom thinks that one should never judge a book by its cover. Though the players on the team have different nationalities, backgrounds and languages, he believes that if everyone is willing to take the first step and get to know each other, they can build a united team.
Harsh and critical to lighthearted and carefree
Bom, now 16, revealed that Kenneth has become more encouraging and supportive since participating in the Scheme. Instead of being harsh and critical, he has become more patient and caring. This has contributed to a more relaxed training atmosphere in which the players are self-motivated to participate. During training, they closely communicate with each other and laugh and hug after scoring a goal. It is this team spirit that has contributed to the team’s outstanding results.
Kenneth has said that taking part in the Scheme has taught him how to incorporate fun into training. Now, he adds in interesting elements so that the students enjoy it more and are more motivated to learn. He is delighted to see support amongst team members – for example, when better players proactively assist those of lesser ability, or when after school, they stay behind to sharpen their basic football skills, and invite new friends to join in, so as to expand their social circle.
World without barriers
Differences in race, language and culture can make it a challenge to stay united. However, students at CMACCK have managed to become united and have overcome barriers through football. What they do is just like some professional teams that have players of different nationalities but manage to play in harmony and fight for the same goal. Bom reminded everyone to stay open-minded, saying: “The strength of one person is limited, but as long as you stay united as a team and keep a positive mindset, together you can overcome any challenges that come your way”.
After more than six months of training, Kenneth is delighted to have bonded with the other coaches and students. They have become like one big happy family. He advises other coaches or teachers who are passionate about football to join hands and participate in the Scheme to break down the old rules and inject positive energy into local football and society.