JC School Football Development Scheme concludes　Teachers and students spread football fun on Football Development Day

28/05/2019

The sixth JC School Football Development Scheme successfully concluded with the graduation ceremony taking place at the School Football Development Day held earlier this month. Over 200 teachers and students from 12 secondary and primary schools and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (Chai Wan Campus) joined together at the Wah Yan College, Kowloon football pitch to celebrate the occasion by applying what they have learnt in the past six months; sharing their happiness gained from football, and putting their best foot forward together.

Thanks to the collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Manchester United, teachers had the opportunity to be exposed to a football training approach which has taught them the concept of encouragement and inspiration. They are now able to help their students become more devoted to their training, as well as build up their psychological, social and physical capabilities to achieve significant results.

Teachers and students put their best foot forward

On graduation day, teachers who participated in the Scheme undertook their final challenge: to organise an event that combined a skills challenge, training, and a small-scale tournament. This allowed the group the chance to get to know each other better. The happy faces and the laughter of the students melted teachers’ hearts, and even put a smile on the faces of teachers who used to be strict. The coach team of Sham Tseng Catholic Primary School were presented bouquets from their students as an appreciation for their hard work. The cheerful and touching moment made Max Ho, one of the teachers known for his sternness, smile: “The last eight months were full of learning fun. The trainings provided by the Scheme are very positive. They helped me rethink my past beliefs in how education should be conducted, and to consider how football injects positive energy into parents and players while helping teenagers build confidence.”

Transformation of teachers and parents strengthens family bonds

The change in training approach has brought initial results to the students. Selwyn Lai, teacher at S.K.H. Fung Kei Millennium Primary School, opined that the Scheme has not only improved the players’ basic skills, but also injected a fundamental spirit that has become deeply rooted in the team: “Ever since a culture of encouragement and a lighthearted atmosphere have been promoted, the players know better how to appreciate each other, which consequently has led to less friction and disputes, and a more harmonious bond within the team.”

The benefits of football are not limited to the pitch but also extend to the daily lives of the players as they build stronger bonds with their parents. On the event day, Christopher O’Brien, Head Coach of Manchester United Soccer School Hong Kong, conducted an on-site seminar for the parents on how to ensure the safety of the young players; sports nutrition, and other topics. This helped the parents to provide proper support to their children.

Calvin Lau, a parent coach of The Education University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Primary School, attended the Scheme with his elder son. Both were impressed by the Scheme and thought that the relationship with their family members has improved. “Football is the catalyst in parent-child communication. The Scheme has taught me my role as a parent and a coach, and how I can help my children and other players in their development. Football has now become a hot topic between us and has brought us closer together,” said Calvin.

Apply what has been learnt and then pass it on

Now in his sixth year of watching local teachers develop into better coaches, O’Brien was delighted to see that the teachers are reaping what they sowed: “Very warm to seeing the changes from the start of the season until now, the coaches and teachers get along with each other and become friends and partners to organise such a big event with over 200 participants. It’s all about partnership. The smiling faces of the kids said it all. I wish they can put what they’ve learnt into practice to provide a positive learning environment, elements and encouragement to the children, whether on the pitch or inside the classroom.”

Being happy is simple. We hope that all of the teachers and coaches will keep moving forward, and will put their best foot forward together with the local youngsters!