St Francis of Assisi’s Caritas School

24/05/2018

Tough love makes for a stronger next generation

As the saying goes: “Strict teachers produce outstanding students”. Ron Chung, Dean of Discipline at St. Francis of Assisi’s Caritas School, was best known for being strict. As leader of the school’s football team, he tempers force with mercy, and manages to train students to have outstanding football skills and attitudes. This semester, the school joined the HKJC School Football Development Scheme, which gave Ron a better understanding of how to nurture students with love.

Making an all-out effort

Ron started his teaching career 17 years ago as an English and Computer Studies teacher. By chance, he learnt how sports can have a long-term effect on personality and attitude, and became inspired to pursue further study in coaching, after which he became the head of the school’s football team. When he first began coaching, Ron thought long and hard and expanded much effort on how best to offer the team better training conditions. Once, after realising that the school could not afford to purchase football goal for training, he and a janitor found some old pipes and rope and used them to make one. He also realised how limited space was on campus, so he drew out a small football site in the parking area, making the best use of every inch to provide the football team with a place for training. Ron did all of these because he strongly believes that football is the best way to teach students discipline and morality, and to develop their potential.

Leaving a lasting impression by being both teacher and friend

Forrest Chan, a sixth grade student who is also a key player, joined the team when he was in first grade. At first, he was intimidated by Ron’s strict attitude, but later he saw another side of him: “I remember during one recess time, I looked down from the stairs and saw Mr Chung using a power tool to make a goal. I was too young then to understand what he was doing; but now, looking back, I know he really gave his all for us, and for this I want to thank him.” Forrest is mature and understands that Ron is strict only because he cares about his students. Both Ron and Forrest are like friends now, and Ron has high expectations for Forrest. He even made him the team captain, hoping that he can lead the team to improve.

Play not to win but for love of the game

Since participating in the HKJC School Football Development Scheme, Ron has been inspired by the concept of “Happy Football” promoted by the Manchester United Soccer School, and has used it to teach his students to rethink the true meaning of playing football. Forrest, who previously had been intensively trained under a strict atmosphere, used to have exceptionally high expectations for himself. He would become emotional, hot-tempered and cry if he lost a game. Since meeting Ron, however, he has completely changed his mindset. “I thought before that winning was everything, but now I am more easy-going and can calmly deal with the results”. Forrest added that the score is secondary; the most important thing is to enjoy the game with teammates – that’s what matters most. The joy and satisfaction from playing well is the essence of the game. He hopes that junior players can put the results aside and just enjoy the fun of football to the fullest.

Effective communication creates stronger bonds

The theory and practice classes taught by Christopher O’Brien, Head Coach of Manchester United Soccer School Hong Kong, focus on two-way communication, which inspired Ron a lot. Nowadays, even primary school students are obsessed with electronic gadgets and have forgotten how to communicate with friends and family. Football, however, emphasises coordination and face-to-face communication, which enhances interpersonal relationships and cultivates team spirit. Another takeaway Ron had from the classes was how to let go of his strictness and adopt a gentler way of communicating. In doing so, he found that the players were more willing to participate and even dared to approach him. The change in Ron not only made the team’s training more efficient, but also enhanced his relationship with the students.

Being a teacher for almost 20 years, Ron has seen many students come and go. He lamented how fast time goes, but also knows that his experiences during this time have strengthened his love of teaching. He will continue to apply what he has learnt from the HKJC School Football Development Scheme, and will love and care for his students as they grow up. He also encouraged more teachers to participate in the Scheme, since sports can nurture students to become better people and better contributors to society.