While the World Cup is in full swing, the entire city is taken over by football fever! Speaking of football, the Police Football Team is a well-coordinated local team which has clinched a gold medal at the World Police and Fire Games.

Backed by Former HKPL and Hong Kong Team Stars Ex-“Eastern” Veteran Serves as Technical Director

One of the key players in the team is Inspector Ip Chung-long, a former professional footballer in the Hong Kong Premier League (HKPL) who played for top local clubs such as “Kitchee” and “Sun Pegasus”. He now serves as the team’s midfield maestro. What brings him the greatest satisfaction is sharing the professional concepts and skills of “off-the-ball movement” with teammates to elevate the entire team. His close partner is Police Constable Li Man-pan, a forward who was once selected for the Hong Kong U13 (under 13) representative team. They work in perfect harmony - one passes and one scores.

Ip and Li shared, “Every time we step onto the pitch, we absolutely enjoy the game! But winning is all about brotherhood and unity. Every goal we scored is a team effort. This sense of brotherhood and collective effort is our greatest secret weapon!”

Another key figure in the team is technical director Station Sergeant Ng Chi-kin, who used to play for the well-established club “Eastern”. He often uses football discussions to teach team members how the sport is similar to police work. "Individual skill is obviously important, However, if you want to 'level up', you have to play strategically. You need to learn how to read the game, see the bigger picture, and coordinate tactics smoothly with your teammates."

The Unsung Heroes Providing Seamless Cover

Team members occasionally miss training sessions or even drop out right before a match due to sudden operational commitments. In the face of these variables, coaches Sergeant Fong Ho-yin and Chan Leong-ting flexibly leverage technology, tasking absent team members with fitness training and data submission during their off-duty hours. They also maintain multiple backup strategies for their on-pitch formations. Furthermore, they reference sports science data, working alongside Ng Chi-kin in setting training targets for both the team and individual players. Station Sergeant Fung Sui-ki, known as the “all-round manager”, takes charge of the team’s logistics. Ultimately, the team’s achievements rely entirely on the seamless cooperation among all members.

Admiring the “Miracle Team” and Underdog: Cabo Verde

As for this year’s World Cup, they all excitedly praised the underdog “Cabo Verde”, which has been known as the “miracle team”. “The secret to their success coincides perfectly with the philosophy of the Force’s spirit and the Police Football Team - they face challenges without fear, demonstrate strong resilience, and, together with the ultimate team spirit, they stand together, shoulder to shoulder.” It is precisely this spirit that enables the Police Football Team to repeatedly achieve outstanding results, passionately showcasing the “One Force” spirit.