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United To Return To Hong Kong
Written by Newcastle Utd
Newcastle United will once again compete in the Hong Kong Football Club Citibank Soccer Sevens this summer
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Newcastle United will once again compete in the Hong Kong Football Club Citibank Soccer Sevens this summer.
The Magpies won the tournament on their debut in 2012, beating Aston Villa in the final with a squad including Paul Dummett, Jak Alnwick, Lubo Satka and James Tavernier, and a Sammy Ameobi-inspired side were runners-up in 2013 when Leicester lifted the trophy.
Last year, Rolando Aarons starred as Peter Beardsley's youngsters reached the semi-finals before losing to local outfit Kitchee after extra time.
United are one of five English clubs to enter the seven-a-side competition this year, with Stoke City making their tournament bow and West Ham competing for the first time since 2012. Leicester and five-time champions Villa are the others.
This will be the tournament's 16th year, with games taking place at Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley between Friday, 29th May and Sunday, 31st May.
Tony Bratsanos, Chairman of the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens Organising Committee, said: "The HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens has always had a strong presence from the Premier League, so we're delighted that Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leicester City are continuing their participation and will be bidding to lift the cup again.
"We're excited that West Ham will be coming back after a brief break, as they were a very popular side when they played here, and we're also proud that we were able to secure Stoke City for their tournament debut. Stoke are enjoying a fine season and will be a welcome addition to the Main competition."
The remaining sides in this year's 16-team main competition - and teams competing in the over-35 Masters tournament - will be confirmed soon.
Future stars who have competed in the main competition include Gabby Agbonlahor, Glen Johnson, Marc Albrighton, David Bentley, Anton Ferdinand and Jack Grealish while the likes of John Barnes, Chris Waddle, Teddy Sheringham, Jurgen Klinsmann and Andy Cole have graced the Masters tournament.
Ticket details will also be announced shortly, while nufc.co.uk will once again be covering the tournament from the Far East.