Chun Tok School

02/02/2020

Care and communication nurtures football players

Chun Tok School advocates faith, hope and love in education. Tam Cheuk-wood, the chairperson of Physical Education panel and coach of the football team, believes that these three elements can be reflected in football. He joined the JC School Football Development Scheme with two other coaches, Ansun Cheung Sung-hung and Jason Wan King-yiu, and expected to learn how to help students in academic and sports development by assuming three different roles – parent, teacher and coach.

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  Chun Tok School advocates faith, hope and love in education.

Football fan fathers support parent-child football

Tam has loved football since he was young. When he became a teacher, he also became a coach. As a father to two young children who are also football players, he was quick to point out that football is simply another form of education: “Most parents focus on their children’s academic performance. Students have to finish lots of homework even after class, and this may affect their overall development. I believe that kids can learn other things by playing football.” Ansun, who is also a father, planned to experience the scheme from the point-of-view of being a student, so as to understand how a student, or even his own child, feels. By putting himself in their shoes, he can help their future development.

Supporting students from different angles

The three coaches were instructed by Christopher O’Brien, Manchester United Soccer Schools Hong Kong Head Coach. Tam joined the scheme, not only as a coach, but also as a parent. In the Parent and Guardian Support session, he learned that the scheme provides support to the students from different angles, like caring, attention and encouragement. He felt that he got a lot out of the session, no matter from a coach’s or a parent’s perspective. “Many coaches focus on technical training and being tough on the players,” he said. “However, OB not only guides teachers’ and students’ technical performances on the pitch, but also their social and communicative skills. He even counsels them off the pitch!”

Jason, who is a professional football player, compared the scheme with “old school” training and realised that the scheme’s interesting format spared more time to play with the ball. OB’s way of coaching could enhance the attractiveness to the students and help to drive their self-discipline and self-learning ability.

Football strengthens family ties

On the day of the school visit, players from Chun Tok School joined the training session. Wong Tik and his best friend, Wong Cheuk-yin, expressed that the training session hosted by OB was very different. They said: “That was very intensive and we barely took a rest. But we enjoyed it very much – it was eye-opening.”

Wong Tik’s mother, Fonnie, also came to support from the sidelines. She said that she had made an agreement with Tik – he had to finish his homework before he joined the session. “We both respect the promise he made, and it motivates him to fulfill what he needs to do. It helps to strike a good balance between academic performance and sports development.” Fonnie usually accompanies her son to the pitch for training and competition in order to show her support. “I pay attention to football news, and we watch English Premier League matches together. We have lots of talking points, and this helps to strengthen our family relationship.”

Building confidence with a smile

Principal Leung Shuk-han came to the pitch to observe the training session. She praised the scheme and OB, as it strengthened the students’ confidence and opened their minds. “Some of the students lacked confidence at the start of the session. They were afraid of talking to foreigners because of the language barrier. Fortunately, OB’s observation and the teachers’ encouragement helped to break the ice. OB actively communicates with the students, and the students are bold enough to talk to OB. That helps them to overcome the gap and fulfill the training requirement.” Principal Leung was delighted with the effort that the teachers and coaches had put into helping the students show their sincere and confident smiles, and enjoy a happy football training session. “They learned not only playing skills, but also had an unforgettable experience that broadened their horizons.”

Parent coaches help their children grow

There’s no doubt that the three coaches were inspired by the scheme. Tam believed that the scheme not only taught him how to be a football coach, but also a capable and supportive parent. “Don’t put too much pressure on the kids,” he explained. “No matter how much they get from football, they will also learn how to take care themselves, interact with others, and become more disciplined.” Ansun showed his commitment of being a true supporter of the kids, saying: “We must respect their own decisions; let them discover and explore their own interests freely, and let them experience more, both in life and in football.”

By following the spirit of faith, hope and love, and with all they have achieved from the scheme, coaches from Chun Tok School hope to lead the students and even their own children in going further in life.