[ CONTENTS ] Mission Statement President s Message Chairman s Report Honorary Secretary s Report... 7

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1 h o n g k o n g f o o t b a l l c l u b

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3 [ CONTENTS ] HKFC ANNUAL REPORT 2011/12 Mission Statement... 2 President s Message... 3 Chairman s Report... 6 Honorary Secretary s Report... 7 Honorary Treasurer s Report... 8 Officers of the HKFC who held office from 1 June May Honorary Vice-Presidents Candidates Nominated for Election Notice of Annual General Meeting for the Year Community Outreach SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS Constitutional Affairs Development Membership Sports and Recreation SECTION REPORTS Hockey Lawn Bowls Rugby Soccer Squash FINANCIAL REPORTS Report of the General Committee Independent Auditor s Report Balance Sheet Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement of Changes in Funds and Reserves Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the Financial Statements Operating Budget... 76

4 [ MISSION STATEMENT ] VISION to be recognised as one of the leading sports clubs in the world. MISSION to deliver quality services on the principles of accountability, consistency and transparency. to develop an organisational culture that recognises the importance of staff contribution and commitment. 2 to facilitate the development and participation of recognised sporting activities. VA LUES being accountable to communicate, consult and provide information. living within our means to plan ahead within available resources. developing a culture of service to encourage commitment, integrity, courtesy and responsiveness. managing for performance to set the direction and develop the necessary skills. AIMS to provide the services the membership needs. to improve the quality of club life. to uphold the constitution and bye-laws. to encourage members to play their part in the club.

5 [ PRESIDENT S MESSAGE ] We once again reach the end grateful to those who help to organise and of another milestone year for coach all the children and young adults who the Club, where we have had participate in these sports at the Club. numerous additions to our I take this opportunity to personally sporting trophy cabinet(s) and where the Club thank Fook Aun Chew, our Chairman of achieved a record overall revenue and yet four years, who stands down at the Annual another record revenue in Food and Beverage. General Meeting after 12 years on the General Please take a look at the Honorary Treasurer s Committee an outstanding contribution to the article later in this report for a more detailed Club. review of the Club s finances. I would also thank our Honorary Secretary, I frequently come to the Club and it always John Shanahan, and the rest of the General seems nicely busy with a myriad of ongoing Committee for all their hard work throughout food and beverage promotions and events the year and, especially, Desmond Ko and mixed in, of course, with the huge number Roger Nissim, who come off the General of sports matches and training that are Committee after six years and one year of carried on throughout a normal week. To many service, respectively. Dave Reeves too, stands of our Guests and Overseas Visitors who come down after eight years, from the position to the Club, they find this a very special place of Squash Section General Committee and, after many years of membership, I have Representative; however, I understand he to say that I tend to agree is seeking to remain on with them. A continuing issue for the Club is that of the renewal of our land lease. At the time of writing we have received a second The many overseas visitors who come to our Club find it a very special place the General Committee in another position. Well done, David! I must also thank all members of the Standing Sub-committees, Sub- hold over letter through to June I groups and Section/DSA/Societies committees am hopeful that our hard working Lease along with the Management and Staff of the Renewal Sub-group will be able to resolve all Club for their valuable input to the running of outstanding matters with Government by then. the Club, and for ensuring we meet our vision I encourage you to read through the Annual to be recognised as one of the leading sports Report where you can see the work our Subcommittees have been doing throughout the Dermot Agnew clubs in the world! past year and what our sporting Sections etc President have been able to achieve. I would especially mention the international events that we have been able to run throughout the year. In particular, the GFI HKFC Tens rugby tournament and HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens are the envy of many. I should also mention our Mini sports groups where, we hope, many of the next generation of sports people will come from. The size of our Mini sports groups are seemingly growing year on year and I am very 3

6 4 TO THE FORE: Proud to be serving the Club are (from left) David Howell (Honorary Treasurer), Dermot Agnew (President), John Shanahan (Honorary Secretary) and Fook Aun Chew (Chairman).

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8 [ CHAIRMAN S REPORT ] 6 This is my fourth and final report giving up their time to ensure we are able to to you all as Chairman of the enjoy the excellent facilities together with our Club. Having served for four families. My thanks, as always, go to Dermot years as Chairman and a total Agnew, our President, who is a good friend of 12 years on the General Committee, I have and a wise counsellor, for his great support decided to step down and not stand for reelection at the end of my term. Committee members for their guidance, during my tenure and also to my fellow General I would like to thank all of you for having counsel, support and friendship. My thanks elected me to serve all these years. It has been also go to all Members who have served on a tremendous privilege and a singular honour the various Standing Sub-committees and and is something I will always treasure. Sub-groups as well as those that serve on We started off the new General Committee the Sections, DSAs and Society committees term with the Family Fete on the Main Pitch in including the mini and youth groups. December last year. This event was again very My thanks also go to Mark Pawley and his well received and the General Committee has management team. They have been providing tasked management to make this an annual the utmost solid support to the General event going forward for the enjoyment of all the Committee and have been most professional families in the Club. in the performance of their responsibilities for The Rugby Section continued with the which we as Members enjoy the benefits. Taipan s Fixture and I would also celebration dinner in grand fashion with the two teams selected by Bob Lloyd, a distinguished Club Member and former England player, and BlackRock It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the Club all these years recommend to you the resolution(s) proposing Colin Cohen and Mike Worth for Life Membership of the Club. Colin was on the General Committee for Asia Pacific Chairman Mark McCombe. nine years, four of which he was the Honorary We had the usual success with the Secretary, and Mike was the Chairman of the GFI HKFC Tens and HKFC Citibank Lawn Bowls Section for 10 years and was the International Soccer Sevens as well as the Lawn Bowls Section Representative on the Easter International Hockey Sixes, several General Committee for eight years. international lawn bowls tournaments and Lastly, and certainly by no means least, the Squash Section s International Threes. All my thanks to David Reeves who stands down events were very well attended and were also as the Squash Section Representative on the very well received. I believe the above sporting General Committee after eight years, as well fixtures go from strength to strength every as to Desmond Ko and Roger Nissim who will year and are a great credit to the Club and its be coming off the General Committee after Members. serving six years and one year, respectively. Membership of the Club continues to The Club has played a very big part in the be in very high demand and the Corporate life of my family and I and, going forward, I am Subscriberships being sold in the secondary certain this will continue to be the case. market are being sold at approximately HK$2.5 See you at the Club! million. Fook Aun Chew The Club continues to be very much a Chairman members club, run by Members voluntarily,

9 [ HONORARY SECRETARY S REPORT ] As I reported last year, the impact on the Club to date but, as you can see, renewal of our lease continues it has necessitated the closing of some of the to be uppermost in the minds pitches in Happy Valley. As the construction of the General Committee. comes closer to the Club stands, we will The Government is reviewing the Private carefully monitor the work being undertaken Recreational Leases of over 70 clubs in Hong near to the stand s foundations. Kong and, unfortunately, moving very slowly As you will note from the Chairman s in the process. The lease expired in December Report, Fook Aun Chew is stepping down last year and we were given a hold over from the General Committee after 12 years, on the lease until 25 September At the the last four as Chairman. I would like to time of writing, we have just been given a personally thank Fook for the sterling work new hold over that is valid until 25 June that he did guiding the Club while Chairman 2013, or such earlier time if the lease is and the enormous contribution he has made renewed. We can only hope that the lease is to Club life over the years. I trust that he will renewed as soon as possible so that we can enjoy some respite from committee work, make a start on the redevelopment plans before we talk him into serving on one of the that we have for improving and renovating Sub-committees! the premises. At the AGM this year, I will also be stepping Club membership continues to surpass the down as Honorary Secretary after my twoyear term. I thank 3,000 level. Taking into most consideration families and guests, several thousand people use the Club on a regular basis. To ensure the enjoyment of all our Members and their families, due consideration must be given to other people using the Club, which is why we have a set of Bye-laws and rules covering behaviour and acceptable standards. It was for this reason that I wrote to you all in September this year concerning the lack of supervision of children and the continuing problem with domestic helpers and other personal servants undertaking their employment duties on the Club Premises. I take no pleasure in writing this type of letter, so please show respect for your fellow Members, and the Staff, by complying with the Bye-laws and rules so that every one of us can enjoy our Club and the first rate facilities that we have. Thankfully, the construction of the large underground storm water tank under the Happy Valley Recreation Ground that I mentioned last year has not had any adverse We can only hope that the Club s lease is renewed as soon as possible sincerely my fellow General Committee members for their hard work, advice and counsel. I would particularly like to thank our General Manager, Mark Pawley, and his Management team, as well as our 260-plus full-time Staff, for continuing to work exceptionally hard over the past year. They continue to provide outstanding service to everyone coming to the Club and we regularly receive complimentary remarks from Members, Guests and Overseas Visitors about the standards of service we provide. John J Shanahan Honorary Secretary 7

10 [ HONORARY TREASURER S REPORT ] 8 The Club made a deficit of project. The total cost for these projects was $12.0 million for the year ended approximately $2.4 million. 31 May 2012, which exceeded Total operating income, year on year, the budgeted deficit of $3.8 increased by approximately $8.1 million or million. The deficit, however, was due to the 7.7%. The increase came mainly from an accounting requirement to write off the cost increase in monthly subscription income of of various redevelopment projects over the $1.8 million, improved gross profit of $3.8 remaining life of the Club s lease, which million from food and beverage sales and a expires at the end of September 2012, and a $2.1 million increase in other net income of shortfall in investment returns. which $1.6million came from an increase in From an operational point of view, the sports sections sponsorships. Club has done well in achieving an operating Total operating expenses, year on year, surplus of $6.6 million which was $4 million increased by approximately $8.3 million or higher than the budgeted surplus of $ %. The increase was mainly due to an million. average pay rise of 4% to Staff members All 125th Anniversary events held in the from 1st June 2011 in line with the local last two financial years were completed at employment market as well as higher a total expenditure of $7.0 million, which is expenditure incurred in maintaining the below budgeted expenditure of $7.5 million. facilities of the Club. The Management and The Club has set an all Staff members effort in achieving the operating performance as well as their contribution to the success of all 125th Anniversary celebration events are greatly appreciated. Following are the financial highlights for the year; detailed results can be seen in the accompanying audited accounts, which appear on pages 59 to 75. The Club made a net deficit of $12.0 million for the year, which is mainly made up of an operating surplus of $6.6 million, entrance fee income of $7.9 million, Corporate Subscribership transfer fee income of $2.7 million, offset by the depreciation cost for redevelopment projects of $19.7 million, investment shortfall of $8.2 million and the cost of remaining 125th Anniversary events held in the last year of $1.3 million. There were two major redevelopment projects completed last year the replacement of the exterior façade metal grilles and the laying of a new Outdoor Green The Club has done well in achieving an operating surplus of $6.6 million investment target of CPI + 3% over a three year time horizon for our Investment Manager, Schroder Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited on 1 June However, our investment portfolio made a negative return of $8.2 million or 5.6% last year due to the turbulent global investment market. The Finance Sub-Committee (FSC) has met with Schroders twice to review the portfolio performance and the investment outlook. FSC members unanimously agreed that the existing investment portfolio should be maintained in pursuing the three year target. I must extend my thanks to my fellow FSC members for their time and effort and their advice in monitoring the investment portfolio and their continued advice on other financial matters for the Club. Entrance fee income plus the Transfer fees income from the sale of Corporate Subscriberships for 2012 was higher than budget by $3.4 million and $1.2 million

11 [ HONORARY TREASURER S REPORT ] CLUB REVENUE FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS 9 respectively. The difference is mainly due to more Social Members joining the Club than expected via the Accelerated Social Membership route, and higher than expected transactions from the sale of Corporate Subscriberships during the year. The Club budgeted $1.5 million this year for the remaining cost of the 125th Anniversary events and commemorative book, but ultimately spent $1.3 million. Following are highlights of some major financial issues/plans for the coming year.

12 [ HONORARY TREASURER S REPORT ] FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS 10 The budget for the year ending 31 May 2013 is included on page 76 at the back of this Annual Report for Members review. Members will note that we aim at a breakeven in operations. It should also be noted that the depreciation charges for redevelopment projects is substantially less than last year as the figure represents the remaining cost we are going to write off to the expiry of our existing lease in September Whilst we expect a new lease will be given by the Land s Department we do not,

13 [ HONORARY TREASURER S REPORT ] at time of writing, have a firm time line for the renewal. On the operating level, it is expected that the food and beverage business will be maintained at a similar level to last year. It should be noted that in order to partially offset the continuous increase in food and beverage costs as a result of inflation, the overall selling price of beverage items has been increased by an average of 2%. In addition, the General Committee (GC) is of the view that a small increase in monthly subscriptions ($25 per month) from January 2013 is necessary to cope with the increasing operating costs. Operating expenses are expected to increase by $5.1 million mainly due to an average salary increment of 5% given to Staff members from June The increment percentage is in line with the local employment market and is considered necessary for keeping an adequate workforce for the Club. For non-operating income and expenditure, we set a targeted investment income of $9 million for next year based on the current target of CPI +3% per annum over a three-year time horizon, as mentioned above. Entrance fee income is budgeted at $5.2 million for 2012/13. The income is based on membership trends in converting Sports Preferred Members to Full Members and in accepting new Social Members under the Accelerated Social Membership route. Transfer fees for Corporate Subscriberships are budgeted to be $1.5 million, which is the average number of transactions over the last few years. Capital Expenditure in 2012/13 financial year has been budgeted for $38 million, $21 million of which relates to prospective redevelopment projects including the replacement of the Sports Hall flooring system and the Main Pitch upgrade. The remaining $17 million is for operation-related capital expenditure. Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my fellow GC members, FSC members, the General Manager, Management team (in particular Ricky Chan, the Financial Controller, for his very successful first year with the Club) and Staff of the Club for their continuous support during the year. David CW Howell Honorary Treasurer 11

14 [ OFFICERS OF THE HKFC ] OFFICERS OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB WHO HELD OFFICE DURING THE PERIOD 1 JUNE MAY Dermot Agnew... President Nicholas Hunsworth... Vice-President James Collins-Taylor... Vice-President Robert Lawson... Vice-President Iain Valentine... Vice-President Fook Aun Chew... Chairman John Shanahan... Honorary Secretary David Howell... Honorary Treasurer Desmond Ko... Constitutional Affairs Mike Wood... Discipline Maurice O Brien... Membership Mark Clift... Development Lynn Edwards... Sports & Recreation (from June until November 2011) Philip Woolf... Sports & Recreation (from November 2011) Fergus McCoig... Hockey Officer (from June until November 2011) Niccola Russo... Hockey Officer (from November 2011) Roger Nissim... Lawn Bowls Officer John Molloy... Rugby Officer Martyn Russell... Soccer Officer David Reeves... Squash Officer HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENTS D K Newbigging T J Bedford J G Cartner J A B Duncan R Gaff A D A G Mosley A A Lister Sir W Purves, CBE, DSO, JP K J Marshall, MBE, JP B C Penman M Moir D Lamont MANAGEMENT Mark Pawley General Manager AUDITORS PricewaterhouseCoopers BANKERS The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd

15 [ CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR ELECTION ] CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR ELECTION AS OFFICERS OF THE CLUB FOR THE YEAR 2012/13 OFFICE CANDIDATE PROPOSED BY SECONDED BY Chairman John Shanahan Dermot Agnew Fook Aun Chew Honorary Secretary Mike Wood John Shanahan Fook Aun Chew Honorary Treasurer David Howell Dermot Agnew John Shanahan Vice-Presidents James Collins-Taylor Fook Aun Chew John Shanahan Nick Hunsworth John Shanahan Fook Aun Chew Bob Lawson David Howell James Collins-Taylor Iain Valentine Fook Aun Chew David Howell General Officers (five vacancies to be filled) Mark Clift John Shanahan Fook Aun Chew Roger Finnie John Shanahan Fook Aun Chew Maurice O Brien John Shanahan Fook Aun Chew Dave Reeves David Howell Fook Aun Chew Philip Woolf Richard Neish Dermot Agnew SECTION NOMINEES NAME PROPOSED BY Hockey Niccola Russo Hockey Section Lawn Bowls Nick Grimshaw Lawn Bowls Section Rugby John Molloy Rugby Section Soccer Martyn Russell Soccer Section Squash Neil Roberts Squash Section 13

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17 RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Hard at work in the kitchen are (from left) Lau Kai Yuen (Cook A), Cheng Chi Wai (Sous Chef), Adonald Wan Tin Kong (Sous Chef), Dick Li Kwok Kuen (Captain) and Li Ka Ping (Cook).

18 [ NOTICE OF THE AGM ] NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FOR THE YEAR 2012 Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Hong Kong Football Club for the year 2012 will be held at the Clubhouse, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong at 19:00 on Thursday, 8 November 2012 for the purpose of conducting the following business: 1. To consider and, if thought fit, adopt the General Committee s Report and the Accounts of the Club for the year ended 31 May To re-elect PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Auditors of the Club at a fee to be fixed by the General Committee. 3. To elect Officers of the Club for the year 2012/13 (a list of the candidates nominated for election is set out on page 13). 4. As special business: To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following as an Ordinary Resolution: That the Monthly Subscription for Full Members, Corporate Members (including Nominees) and Associate Members be raised from HONG KONG DOLLARS ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY (HK$1,350) TO HONG KONG DOLLARS ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE (HK$1,375) from January 2013 and that monthly subscriptions for Sports Debenture Associates and Senior Junior Associates (between the age of 21 26) be raised from HONG KONG DOLLARS FIVE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE (HK$525) to HONG KONG DOLLARS FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY (HK$540).

19 [ NOTICE OF THE AGM ] NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FOR THE YEAR To consider (upon the recommendation of the General Committee, in recognition of valuable service rendered to the Club) and if thought fit, to pass the following Ordinary Resolutions: that Colin Cohen be elected as a Life Member of the Club that Mike Worth be elected as a Life Member of the Club 6. Any other business. John Shanahan Honorary Secretary By Order of the General Committee Hong Kong, 9 October 2012 Note: 1. A Full Member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a Proxy Holder to attend and vote in his or her stead. A Proxy Holder must be a Member of the Club. A Corporate Member entitled to vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a Corporate Representative to attend and vote in respect of all the Corporate Subscriptions held by such Corporate Member The instrument appointing a Proxy Holder, or Corporate Representative, must be returned to the offices of the Club s Auditors, who have been appointed as scrutineers, by mail, delivery or by facsimile transmission, or you can place the completed form into the Drop Box provided at the G/F lobby of the Club. The Form of Appointment of Proxy, or Corporate Representative, is to be received by the scrutineers or put in the Drop Box not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting. 3. Full Members and Corporate Members entitled to vote at the meeting may vote in the election of Officers by completing the Ballot Paper accompanying this Notice and returning it to the offices of the Club s Auditors, who have been appointed as scrutineers, by mail, delivery or by facsimile transmission, or you can place the completed form into the Drop Box provided at the G/F lobby of the Club. The Ballot Paper is to be received by the scrutineers or put in the Drop Box not less than 72 hours before the time of holding the meeting.

20 [ COMMUNITY OUTREACH ] 18 The Club s Vision, as stated in our Articles of Association, is to be recognised as one of the leading sports clubs in the world and our mission includes facilitating the development and participation of recognised sporting activities. This commitment to the betterment of sport extends to the general community, regardless of gender, race and nationality, as well as to our 3,000-plus Members and their families. Major activities designed to encourage sports development, available to both Members and non-members, include Mini and Youth Soccer, Mini and Youth Rugby, Mini and Youth Hockey, Junior Squash and Junior and Youth Tennis Groups. Likewise, a plethora of gymnastic, dance, aerobic, aquatic and martial arts programmes and classes are offered. Additionally, the YMCA Soccer/ Adventure Camps are popular with both Members and non-members during school holidays. The facilities are also used for international fixtures, training, seminars or functions by the Hong Kong Football Association, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, Hong Kong Hockey Association, Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association, Hong Kong Squash, Hong Kong Netball Association, Hong Kong Tennis Association, Hong Kong Golf Association and the Yau Yee Football League as well as others. Additionally, our Club is virtually the only sports club in Hong Kong to host and manage international sporting events on a regular basis which, we believe, with local participation and spectators, helps to foster and advance a greater sporting culture within the local community. The Club also makes its sports facilities available to many youth groups and community organisations on a gratis or concessionary basis. A venue and coaching are provided free to the Hong Kong Vocational Centre for Children with Special Needs and a Soccer Programme for Children with Special Needs. We provide a number of sporting and recreational facilities for use by the Springboard Project and the Nesbitt Centre, and we also allow use to children (with their teachers and supervisors) from the many educational establishments within Hong Kong. In addition, we hold an annual lunch for residents of the China Coast Community. Our community outreach activities naturally revolve around sports, but we also make donations to charities via the Club and Sections/DSA/Societies as well as groups of Members. Over the last year, the Club has made charitable donations of over $444,000.

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22 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] 20 CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE (CASC) The Constitutional Affairs Sub-Committee has continued to review, revise and update, where required, the Club s Bye-laws and Policy Statements at the direction of the General Committee and as the need arose. The main work this year was the finalisation of a standard consistent template of Bye-laws to be adopted by all Sections, DSA and Societies. This is being rolled out in the coming months as the various parties hold their own Annual General Meetings. Having been on one committee or another at the Club since joining as a Member 18 years ago, I thought it would be appropriate to fully enjoy my membership and consequently will be standing down this year from the General Committee after six years of service. I wish my successor every success. I would like to thank my fellow General Committee members and the CASC members for their advice and support and, in particular, thank the Staff at the Club, collectively, who have made the Club what it is today. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve the Club. Desmond Ko Chairman, CASC DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE (DSC) The year 2011/12 has again been an unusual one for the DSC in that the continued uncertain lease renewal situation has meant that it has been difficult to commence any new major projects. Nonetheless, it has still been a busy year. main pitch The replacement of the Main Pitch was completed in the summer of 2010 but it did not perform up to expectations. The DSC has taken action and exercised the Club s rights under the original contract to secure a new pitch provided by the contractor. At the same time, the DSC negotiated the installation of a new updated specification carpet to maintain the Club s facilities as best-in-class. Replacement works will be carried out in summer 2012 and completed in time for the new sports season. sports hall The DSC has been working in conjunction with the S&RSC to plan a replacement of the Sports Hall surface. The new system will provide a more sprung surface which will be a better playing environment. Replacement will again be carried out during the off-season of summer In the summer of 2013 it is envisaged that other refurbishment works to the Sports Hall will be carried out such as new lighting, improved ceiling layout and new wall coverings. outdoor green The DSC has overseen the finalisation of works to the Outdoor Green which has already been returned to the Bowls Section. the coming year The DSC continues to review options for the future redevelopment of parts of the Club in order to cater for increasing and changing demands from Members, and to address the fact that many areas have not been refurbished for 15 years. Areas under review include the second floor Restaurant/Coffee Shop/Main Kitchen to address operational issues and increased demand, first floor Fitness Centre to address increased demand, and the Sportsman s Bar, where current F&B demand, especially at weekends, exceeds design capacity. It is hoped these works will be progressed once the Club has received its new lease.

23 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] development sub-committee members I would like to thank the members of the DSC as follows: Martin King, Mike Lamont, James Collins-Taylor, Kenneth Ng, Alfred Yeung and Mike Wood, as well as the invaluable contributions from Mark Pawley and Evan Tao. Mark O Clift Chairman, DSC MEMBERSHIP SUB-COMMITTEE (MSC) The Club s popularity continues unabated, which is reflected in the ever increasing number of Members joining the Club. A breakdown of the number and type of Members presently using the Club is given below. The General Committee at this point in time sees no need to prescribe a maximum number of Members but does regularly review membership numbers to ensure we do not reach an unacceptable level whereby the use of facilities would be compromised. Demand for membership of the Club is forecast to continue in the forthcoming year. Continued increases in membership numbers cannot go on indefinitely and there will come a time when restrictions will be inevitable. The Club continues to be the best sporting club in Hong Kong and beyond, providing excellent sports, recreational and food and beverage facilities, thereby ensuring a constant stream of applicants for membership. As always, the MSC relies upon the Sections, Designated Sports Association (DSA) and Societies to ensure that they only put forward Sports Preferred Members who are genuinely able to contribute to the Sections/DSA/Societies and the Club. As we are primarily a sporting club, we do need to ensure, as with the above, that our competitive teams have the necessary talent to represent the Club in the various leagues and competitions in which they participate. However, the MSC has an important role to play in vetting applications for membership in order to ensure that the number of Members is commensurate with the facilities that the Club has to offer and that we avoid the danger of unacceptable overuse of these facilities, be they sporting or social. As of June 2012 there were 3,118 Members (an increase of 67 over the corresponding period last year) plus 2,560 spouses/partners and around 3,050 children (not all children are registered with the Club so this figure is very likely higher). The General Committee considers that this number of Members is within the capacity of the Club but will regularly review the membership numbers and types of membership categories to ensure a healthy balance is maintained. There were 136 newly joined Sports Preferred Members, of whom 39 were juniors, that is, under 26 years of age. There are 480 Sports Preferred Members who are under a four-year commitment period within their respective Sections/DSA/Societies. A total of 16 Sports Debentures were issued during the year and 24 Accelerated Social Members joined; 103 Temporary Preferred Members converted to Full Membership, with a further 27 Temporary Preferred Members confirmed as Junior Associates; 151 Members resigned and 110 Members took out Absent Membership; 750 Absent Members visited the Club and temporarily re-activated their memberships during the period June 2011 to end May I would like to advise all Members that if they ever leave Hong Kong to take out Absent Membership as clearly it is heavily used by many Full Members throughout the year when they return for a visit. I would sincerely like to thank the members of the MSC, consisting of James Collins-Taylor, Richard Neish, Dave Reeves, Quentin Burrows, David Slater, Martyn Russell, Mark Pawley and Kerry Ogle for their advice and assistance throughout the year. With the increase in membership levels, a huge commitment was 21

24 ALL IN ORDER: The administration office, located directly behind reception, is a hive of activity.

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26 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] 24 made this year by the pool of senior Members who regularly volunteer their time for interview panels where Temporary Members are seeking conversion to Full Membership and where prospective Accelerated Social Members are first seen. I am also grateful to all the Membership Officers in the various Sections/DSA/Societies for their work in monitoring Members under commitment; an important but not always acknowledged job that requires considerable time and effort. Lastly, and by no means least, I am as always especially indebted to the Membership Services Manager Kerry Ogle and her assistant Rebecca Chiu for all their hard work and expertise where membership is concerned. Maurice O Brien Chairman, MSC SPORTS AND RECREATION SUB-COMMITTEE (S&RSC) As my first year as Chairman of the S&RSC comes to a close, it is time to look back at the events of the past 10 months. Firstly I would like to thank Richard Neish, Iain Valentine, Niccola Russo and Tony Sealy, the executive members of the S&RSC, for their hard work and support, and also the committees of the Netball DSA, Tennis Society, Golf Society, Badminton Society, Swimming and Triathlon Society and Bowling Interest Group for their assistance, commitment to their sport and dedication to developing their sporting groups. I would like to think that the S&RSC has made significant headway during the year and, having listened to each of the sporting groups and understood their ambitions, the Executive has focused its efforts on finding ways to help each to achieve their specific goals and to create a platform for their further development in the coming years. Core projects have included: Setting up and formatting a new strategy document to allow each sporting group to provide both a short-term and threeyear rolling plan (including improved financial budgeting and reporting), review and agree their strategy with the S&RSC, and present their ideas to the General Committee. A review of the sporting groups Byelaws with a view to creating a standard template for use by all S&RSC sporting groups (in progress). Creation of a crib sheet summarising the Club regulations applying to S&RSC sports groups. A detailed review of monitoring the Sports Preferred Members of S&RSC sports groups under commitment (in progress). An ongoing focus on ways that the S&RSC can assist each sporting group with its development and associated activities to support: a) sponsorships and other forms of funding; b) improvements to sporting facilities (most notably replacement of the Sports Hall floor); c) raising the profile of each group within the Club, the local community and regionally (including through hosting competitions); d) bringing new sporting talent to the Club; and e) expanding youth programmes. As you will see from the individual reports from each of the sporting groups below, there have been some significant achievements throughout the year, and the committees and members of each should be lauded for their efforts and congratulated for their successes. Philip Woolf Chairman, S&RSC netball designated sports association (dsa) This season started with regular trials held at the end of August Even though there were fewer triallists this season, we were lucky in that many were existing members trialling so, in

27 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] that respect, the DSA was able to register good numbers in all teams. With the addition of a trial social team, the DSA was able to register five regular and one social team (HKFC Monsoons) in the 2011/12 season. The DSA offered two debentures to nonplayers, including coach Pam Ryan and physiotherapist Evey Siu from PosturePlus. We also offered two debentures to Jessica McCauley and Elise Daly. They are both quality additions to HKFC and we are lucky to have them on board. Both Jessica and Elise have represented netball at the highest levels of their previous clubs and at State and Premier levels. HKNA League The length of the league is always a contentious issue and this year it was a long season, running into early May. This is partly due to the rescheduling of wet weather games, court availability and the number of teams registered in the league. Year after year, we are seeing the league grow in numbers and, while this is a positive sign for netball as a whole, it does place a strain on the limited resources of the Hong Kong Netball Association (HKNA) which, in turn, affects all teams and clubs within the league. This season saw the addition of a Plate playoff in Division Two, as well as the existing Plate playoff in Division One. This concept was brought about to improve the morale of the lower placing teams in each division. It has proved to be very beneficial in encouraging those teams to stay competitive in their divisions and to remain encouraged despite regular losses. However, it also highlights the disparity between the top tier teams in the HKNA. HKFC had three teams in the finals series. Great effort was made by HKFC Club to make it to the semi-finals with only four players available from their starting eleven. HKFC Club faced Valley Panthers in the semis and finished third in Division One. HKFC Typhoons were in a similar boat to Club in that they, too, had the bare seven players to take the court in the semis and finals of the Plate series. After losing two of their existing players to Club, Typhoons took out Aussies in the semis and went on to face Valley in the final. It was a hard fought match with players having to play out of position. Typhoons managed to place second in the Plate final of Division One. HKFC Whirlwinds had a strong group of players throughout the season but, after a long eight months of the season, were much lighter going into the finals of the Plate series. Whirlies beat Valley to reach the Division Two Plate final, where they went down to a very tough Sai Kung Stingrays team. HKFC Monsoons had difficulty initially getting the team up and running and finding enough players to take the spots each week. They were largely left to fend for themselves and many thanks to Kate Jackson for herding together enough players to keep the team going throughout the season. Some great results and the return of their competitive spirit saw Monsoons finish eighth in Division Two. HKFC Tornadoes featured in Division Three this season, up one from 2011, and we are seeing these lower divisions get more and more competitive as more teams enter the league. Entering the second half of the season, Tornadoes were in a very strong fourth position. Other teams became more competitive but Tornadoes still finished in a very respectable sixth place. HKFC Hurricanes were almost a completely new team this season, made up mostly of existing members due to the addition of the social team and the movement of players up into other teams. After a rather uneventful start to the season, Hurricanes came back after a much needed Xmas break to play some great netball and finish seventh in Division Four. Results were as follows: Division One HKFC Club third HKFC Typhoons sixth 25

28 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] 26 Division Two HKFC Whirlies sixth HKFC Monsoons eighth Division Three HKFC Tornadoes sixth Division Four HKFC Hurricanes seventh National Hong Kong Squads This season, the HKNA hosted the Tri-Nations in January. Congratulations to Lydia Wratten, Nadia Cuvelier, Stephanie Cuvelier and Natacha Cuvelier for representing Hong Kong in the national squad, and Charlotte Thompson and Stephanie Locandro representing Hong Kong in the Hong Kong Youth squad. Also during this time, there were coaching and umpiring courses run by visiting Australian experts Carol Byers and Stacey Campton. Many members attended the courses and gained a wealth of knowledge from these highly qualified and experienced instructors. The DSA is hoping to invite an international coach and umpire to Hong Kong next season to work with Netball DSA members. HKFC was presented with a shirt signed by the Australian Diamonds team. This saw HKFC Netball founder Heather Probert collect the shirt on behalf of the HKFC. Coaching The biggest problem at the start of the season was the coaching issue, which is forever evolving. Going into the season, the DSA was down to one coach again due to the loss of Amanda McPherson. The DSA was lucky enough to be introduced to Pam Ryan, who took on the challenging job of coaching HKFC Club and HKFC Typhoons. That left HKFC Whirlwinds to be coached by myself (Karin Looram), HKFC Tornadoes to be coached by Jessica McCauley and HKFC Hurricanes by Elise Daly. The HKFC Junior Netball programme run by HKFC player and coach Amanda McPherson was as popular as ever. There were six teams entered in the JNL this season and they posted some amazing results. Many thanks are due to the hard work of Amanda McPherson, who keeps the programme going, and to her assistants, the Cuveliers. Australian Diamonds Visit The DSA, as well as the HKFC, received great publicity from the hosting of the Australian Diamonds netball team in June. This was an event that sparked the interest of not only netballers throughout Hong Kong, but also of Members of the Club who wanted to see what netball was all about and witness a professional team such as the Diamonds performing live. It was such a great opportunity for so many reasons and one which the Netball DSA hopes can be repeated with Asian and Commonwealth teams in the future. With the new Sports Hall flooring system being installed this summer, the DSA hopes to be able to attract even more international teams to the HKFC to utilise the world standard netball facilities that we will be able to offer, raising the profile of the Netball DSA. Moving Forward The HKFC Netball DSA works hard at maintaining a competitive yet enjoyable environment for netball. The committee is always looking at ways that netball can be both enjoyed and improved at the same time. The committee strives to enhance procedures and listen to the needs and wants of players. We are looking to make the following enhancements over the coming seasons: Qualify members as umpires and coaches Bring Junior Netball under the DSA umbrella Establish a social team for Division Three, Four and Five players Start to implement a mentoring system for players, coaches and umpires Continue to enforce the HKFC membership policies to ensure participation

29 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] Improve the spirit of HKFC Netball Participate with other Sections of the Club, sporting and socially Of course, many thanks go out to all the committee members and to the out-going members this season. Thanks, also, to all the coaches, captains and supporters. Karin Looram Chairwoman, Netball DSA tennis society The Tennis Society has enjoyed another exceptionally busy and successful year, both on and off the court. League Tennis HKFC teams have competed in the Hong Kong Tennis Association (HKTA) Summer, Winter and Mixed Leagues for adults as well as two teams (Division B and Division C) in the Junior League. Also, three ladies teams competed in the Hong Kong Ladies Tennis League (HKLTL), a day competition that is played in the Spring and Autumn seasons. HKFC has achieved considerable success on the court over the past year. In the HKLTL, our Premier team won the Spring competition (January to April 2012) and were runners up in the Fall competition (September to December 2011). The Division Four ladies team, after winning the competition in the Spring season of 2011, were promoted to Division Three but found the competition a bit more difficult while, unfortunately, the Division Two ladies team had to disband due to a lack of players. In the HKTA league, the men s A team, with Simon Cheung at the helm, made it all the way to the final playoff match in July 2011 after winning seven out of seven league matches. They lost this final match but were still promoted to the top division, A+. Playing in the highly competitive A+ division the following season, the team managed to maintain their position in 2012, they have again secured their place with two wins in the summer league. The D League men s team has also been very successful over the past year. Led by Duncan Spooner, they made it all the way to the final playoff match in November 2011 (Winter League) but, unfortunately, went down and are very close to making the playoffs in the Summer League this year. Both teams are now gearing up for the start of the Winter League The B League men s team, with Colin Butterfield leading the team last year and then Clint Hutchison taking over this year, have unfortunately struggled with injuries and shortage of players but have managed to win just enough matches to remain in the division. The B League ladies team have really come along this year. After finishing equal fourth at the end of 2011, the team, led by Yoke Ming Ong, won 10 out of 12 matches in the Summer League this year to finish in third position. In the Junior League competition, HKFC entered for the first time a team in the B Division for the Autumn season in September While the team struggled somewhat in their first season, they were quite competitive in the Spring season to win two matches and had some other very close results. The C Division team managed to win two matches in each of their two seasons over the year. HKFC also managed to finish runners-up in the Mixed League competition earlier this year. Social Tennis Competitions There were several social competitions throughout the year. As a way of celebrating each of the Grand Slam tournaments, a social tournament was held. Special thanks to Australasia Tennis Aces (ATA) for organising and running the Aussie, French, Wimbledon and US socials. Different formats of play were used while each of these events was accompanied by up-tempo music, appropriate food and drinks (alcohol in most cases) a quiz and even a chance to dress up. 27

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31 POWER PLAY: Making the Club run like clockwork are (from left) Tsang Hung Fai (Engineering Supervisor) and Chu Yuen Ki (Engineering Technician).

32 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] 30 There was also the second edition of the Cup of Nations, this year won by Team Canada, and the Charity Cup, which was unfortunately affected by rain not once, but twice, although the Society was still able to send just over $17,000 to Jordan House, the orphanage in Uganda. A Parent Child tournament also took place in December The annual Club Championships were held over the first three weekends in March 2012 with players being able to enter a variety of singles, doubles and mixed competitions. Final results were as follows: Men s Open Singles: Neal Soo defeated Adrian Leung Men s Open Doubles: Henry Lai and Derek To defeated Simon Cheung and Andrew Town. Ladies Singles: Agnes Baleyte defeated Rachel Loosemore. Ladies Doubles: Mary Soo and Flora Ni def Agnes Baleyte and Yoke Ming Ong. Mixed Doubles: Neal and Mary Soo defeated Simon Cheung and Gail McDermott. Later in the year, it was the juniors turn to hold their Club Championships. The winners were Darren Chong in singles and Darren Chong and Shaan Bhojwani in doubles. Both of these events were followed by a BBQ and trophy presentation on the patio outside the Sportsman s Bar. In February, March and June of 2012, a Coach and Social event took place while a team was also entered into the annual LRC Island Cup Challenge, where we managed to come third out of four teams. HKFC also had the pleasure of hosting three overseas teams in late 2011 Scarborough Club from Perth, Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the University of Singapore. A variety of players represented the Society in these matches. After each match, the visitors were treated to food and drinks and quite a bit of lively banter. A team from Taiwan also visited in July Some other social events that took place throughout the year were a Tennis Society v Golf Society golf match at Kau Sai Chau where, unfortunately, the Tennis Society went down badly. A Christmas social was organised to Lamma Island in which upwards of 40 people took part. The Society s first start of season party was also held in April 2012 by the pool with just over 40 people enjoying the excellent food, wine, beer and surroundings. Finally, the Second Gala Tennis Ball, with just over 120 people attending, took place in the Restaurant. Great music from Anthony the DJ and some fine belly dancing by Cecilia were among the highlights. This is an event that, hopefully, more Society members will get behind! Off the court, there have also been some important developments. In August 2011, the Tennis Society secured their first sponsor Cellarmaster Wines. As a result, a total of $220,000 passed into the Tennis Society accounts. The committee outlined a variety of areas to ensure effective use of these funds, including the following: Improving the standard of league players through subsidised coaching and assisting with costs associated with playing league tennis by way of a 25% discount on meals after league matches. Promoting participation by Tennis Society members in social events by offering subsidies in events such as the Tennis Ball, annual Club Championships, overseas tours and playing overseas teams. Promoting tennis to Members through coaching and social events. Encouraging HKFC juniors by contributing Society kit and monies towards the Junior Club Championships etc. Given this new sponsorship, new Society kit was also designed. Honour boards were put up on the third floor in recognition of those who have won various events in the Society championships

33 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] while photos of teams who have won their leagues are also on display. The Tennis Society managed to secure four players through Special Sports Preferred memberships in late 2011 and early These players were drafted into the newly promoted men s A+ team and played an important role in ensuring that the team remained in that division. The Society has continued to work closely with ATA in enhancing and promoting tennis within the Society and at HKFC in general. A big thanks to Kristin Godridge and her team for the efforts they have put in throughout the last year, especially with regard to junior development, organising and running of our annual Club Championships for adults and juniors and for the provision of social tournaments throughout the year. Greg Brutus Chairman, Tennis Society golf society It has been another good year for the Golf Society (GS) and we continue to be one of the biggest golf societies in Hong Kong, maintaining a figure of just over 1,000 members. The GS has continued the trend of the last few years of around one to two outings per month, all of which were very well attended. We have also extended the opportunity of holding a few events on Sundays at Kau Sai Chau (KSC). From September 2011 to August 2012, there were 27 scheduled outings (including three cancelled) to courses in Hong Kong and across the border in China, with over 550 golfers in total attending. We have included a greater number of weekend events as well as Sunday outings to assist member participation. Events at KSC were held on Saturdays and Sundays for the first time in GS history. A variety of courses were played in China, such as Mission Hills, Palm Island, Shenzhen Nan O Century View, Pine Valley, Zhongzhan Hot Springs and Yinlii etc. An Easter Tour was held in Kunming, China, and a joint tour to Pattaya, Thailand, with the TaylorMade Challenge. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the GS continues regular outings to KSC, Discovery Bay and Deep Water Bay. Regular fixtures were maintained, including the Annual Club Championship in June at KSC (North and South Course) with a total of 44 golfers playing, as well as the Summer Cup in July and the Walmsley Trophy in October at KSC (South Course). Matches within the Club also continued. At the time of writing, the Two Committees Challenge (General Committee v GS) is to be held on the second weekend of September (this event was won by the GS in 2011). The Chairman v President Challenge Trophy, which took place at KSC East Course, had a draw with both sides playing really well on the day. Externally, under the captaincy of Dallas Reid, the GS won most of its matches. However, the GS Team lost to HKCC in the Bucket Match that was held in Pine Valley. Hopefully, there will be a re-match towards the end of the year at Lotus Hill. We also beat the Hong Kong Club in our annual match; this is already the third year of running this competition. The GS also participated in the annual Reunification Cup at Lotus Hill in October 2011, competing against the American Club, the Hong Kong Country Club and the Chinese Recreation Club (CRC), where we narrowly lost to the CRC. We also played the American Club in the Ryder Bowl at Lotus Hill. The GS Annual Dinner happened on the same day as the Club Championships in June; both were very well attended. In addition, the Club s rotational debentures at Macau Golf and Country Club (MGCC) and Lotus Hill Golf Resort continued to be well used. However, it also came to our attention that there were a couple of unwelcome incidents that took place at the MGCC while our members were using the rotational debentures. Every debenture user must comply with the GS bye-laws when using the debentures, not only at MGCC but also at Lotus Hill Golf Resort. 31

34 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] 32 Other than providing rounds of golf and outings, the GS Committee has tried to provide Society members with social events that promote the knowledge of the great game. Together with our sponsor, AIA Portfolio Management, the GS arranged an Equipment Day at the Golf Simulator facility in June with demo clubs from TaylorMade. Finally, on behalf of the GS Committee, I would like to express our thanks to the HKFC Management Team, in particular Maggie Ng, Carbo Chang and Karen Chan-Mulvenna, as well as all the other behind the scenes Staff at the Club for all their hard work and their contribution to the GS. Andy Ho Chairman, Golf Society badminton society The past year has been one with encouraging progress for the Society. We formed our first league team of 14 male players, which entered the Men s Doubles League organised by the Hong Kong Badminton Association during the first quarter of Members of the league team also participated in the individual events of the Bank of China Competition later in the year and achieved encouraging results. Another area of encouraging development is sponsorship, which provides an additional source of funding for our planned activities. Several companies have agreed to provide sponsorship of $80,000 in total this year and $50,000 in the following year. In achieving our objective to promote badminton as a sport both within the Club and the community, we have organised a total of three tournaments in the year. The third inter-club tournament was held in November 2011, with a total of six clubs participating. In March 2012, the Annual Internal Tournament had attracted a large number of Members of the Society, participating either as players or supporters for their families and friends. In May 2012, the Junior Tournament was held, bringing together young players of the Club who generated some keen competition and displayed great sportsmanship. In July 2012, our badminton team visited Bangkok to participate in the Chairman s Cup of the Regional Invitation Tournament, hosted by the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and developed better and closer ties with regional badminton clubs. As a result, the Piyarom Sports Club now proposes to visit us in October for a friendly match. We are hoping to organise for the first time a regional inter-club tournament towards the year end, taking advantage of the improved facilities following the installation of the new flooring in the Sports Hall. We are now actively seeking financial support for the event. During the year, we have also organised a number of sports/social events, including: Friendly match with the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, who visited Hong Kong in February It was followed by a dinner reception held in honour of our guests and more than 60 Society members took part. The Society s Annual General Meeting, followed by the Annual Dinner gathering. Social gathering to watch the live broadcast of the Thomas Cup 2012 finals at the Sportsman s Bar. Our pool of players has been further strengthened through the admission of the following new members: Dr Siu Cheung Yu (Special Sports Preferred Member) league player. John Leung (Sports Debenture Associate Member) former head coach of England Junior Team and Welsh national player. Michelle Cheung (Junior Associate Member) former European U16 champion. The junior training programme has been well received. It continues to be run by head coach Jaff Lo supported by an assistant, Patrick Leung. Some 20 juniors are attending the Friday

35 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] training sessions regularly. During the closure of the Club s Sports Hall in the summer for renovation, we have secured badminton courts in public indoor sports halls so that the junior programme will not be disrupted. The regular Friday Society Badminton Night has been very popular. We are now provided with six courts which enables us to run the junior training in parallel with social games for members from 19:00 onwards. In addition, the members play and train on Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 13:00. During the Sports Hall closure, we have arranged for members to play badminton in the South Island School from 11:00 to 13:00 on selected Sundays. We are happy to see rekindled passion for badminton among Society members who once retreated from this beautiful game. My heartfelt thanks go to the Society members for their support and, in particular, to the committee members for their time and selfless efforts to promote badminton and the continuous growth of the Badminton Society. Ryan Wong Chairman, Badminton Society swimming and triathlon society Summary Since its establishment in May 2002, the Swimming and Triathlon Society has become a viable sports society with long-term potential to attract new members interested in competitive swimming, triathlon or fitness improvement. As of July 2012, we now have 66 adult members and 12 youth members. Adult members 40% train at least once a week. Youth members 70% train at least once a week. As of April 2012 we had the approval of the HKFC to launch a Youth Elite Training Squad to be coached by Arthur Li as part of his commitment to the Society and the HKFC. To date the programme has proved successful with potential to grow in Applications have been made to the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association and the Hong Kong Triathlon Association for registration as a club so we can compete as the HKFC in all races and events. In 2012, a Society website was approved by HKFC to act as a central information place for all Society members. The site includes pages for events, training, youth and reports. The address is: Goals To provide an opportunity for adult swimmers to develop technique and stamina through frequent and disciplined training, currently three sessions per week. To participate in Masters swim galas, Open Water swim races and multi-sports events such as triathlon that involve swimming, thereby raising the profile of HKFC. To expand our performance in Open Water swimming (distance 1-5km) with a larger, more committed, adult race squad. To launch, maintain and promote an elite junior and youth age group swimming squad for 9-16 year olds with at least two and possibly three swim training sessions per week from May-November annually. Swim Training In November 2009, we engaged Lloyd McBean as the Swimming Coach with two coached sessions per week. In May 2010, training was expanded to three coached sessions per week on Monday mornings (06:30-08:00), Tuesday nights (20:00-21:00) and Thursday mornings (06:30-08:00). In July 2011, this expanded to four swim training sessions per week. Lanes are graded with beginners through to advanced swimmers. We currently offer three coached sessions per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (all 06:30-08:00). We hope to add a Tuesday 33

36 AT YOUR SERVICE: Ensuring everything is going smoothly are (from left) Yim Chik Sing and To Kit Chin (both Steward Attendants) and Ken Lo Cheuk Kin (Chief Steward).

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38 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] 36 evening session if and when the pool closing time reverts to 21:00 (hopefully sometime in early 2013). In late 2011 and early 2012, HKFC approved the provision of special Sports Preferred Memberships to Arthur Li and Simon Brewster. Arthur coaches the Elite Youth Swimming Squad and Simon Brewster is the Race/Events Coordinator. Youth Elite Squad In May, we successfully launched Youth Elite Training, following trials at the end of April. Two coached sessions per week, Monday and Wednesday, 16:45-18:15, occupying two lanes and coached by Arthur Li. Current membership is 12. The Youth Elite Squad will compete in HKASA swimming events, Open Water races and Splash n Dash representing HKFC. Our goal is to grow the Youth section in Triathlon Training The Society Running Coach has developed a programme which consists of: Tuesday nights, 19:00-20:00, Happy Valley track, running interval training Thursday mornings, 06:30-07:30, Happy Valley track, running Saturday or Sunday morning when no major races are on, run/bike/swim brick session of two to three hours duration coordinated by Society members Membership We now have 66 adult members and 12 youth members; we have some very talented swimmers and triathletes and the Society is gaining a good reputation. Lloyd McBean provides extensive advice on technique improvement from the poolside and this has been invaluable to members keen to make their swim stroke more efficient. Our first bike mechanic session was successfully held at the end of April with support from the Society. Competition Society members have participated in numerous major competitions (ironman triathlon, aquathon and swimming) in 2012, representing HKFC and competing in HKFC kit wherever possible. The annual event calendar with Swimming and Triathlon Society athletes competing covers: Deepwater Bay 1.5km Ocean Swim Shek O-Big Wave Bay 2.2km Ocean Swim Open Water Swimmers Series Action Asia Race Series Aquawiz Race Series Open Water Swimmers of Hong Kong Race Series King of the Hills Mountain Running Pier-to-Pier Classic: Stanley to Deepwater Bay 5km Clean Half 14.5km relay swim Hong Kong International Triathlon Asia Pacific 70.3 Triathlon Championships Laguna Phuket Triathlon Bintan and Bangkok Triathlon Ironman New Zealand Hawaii World Ironman Championships Society members have also had some significant results: Laura Walsh finished first in her age group for the Singapore 70.3 Half Ironman. Catherine Sen, Laura Walsh, Caitrin Adorian, Cordelia Dyer and Richard Hall all placed in the top three in their respective age groups at Plover Cove in the Hong Kong Triathlon an Olympic distance race consisting of 1,500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. Richard Hall finished fifth in his age group and Ashley Dyer seventh in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco. Laura Walsh and Catherine Sen finished first and second respectively in their age groups in the Bangkok Triathlon. Club Kit New kit will be purchased for the Youth squad in August. The possibility of sponsorship for Adult

39 [ SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS ] kit has been raised and is being considered. We have been approached by ORCA and are currently awaiting a sponsorship offer to be presented and discussed with the S&RSC. Finance The Swimming and Triathlon Society account had HK$65, as of July This is used to purchase equipment as necessary and to fund medals/trophies for galas and coaches fees. Fees for adult society members are HK$105 per month and youth members are HK$500. This is to ensure we cover the cost of the coach and other expenses and begin to make a surplus. We are purchasing new equipment for adults and youths in August, including kick boards, pull buoys, flippers and hand paddles. Committee The 2012 HKFC Swimming and Triathlon Society Committee is: Captain Michelle Robinson Vice-Captains Guy Horne, Arthur Li, Stuart Elliott Coach Lloyd McBean Treasurer Chris Colahan Social Events and Website Debbie Hanley Magazine and Reporting Michael Sadler Open Water Swimming and Events Simon Brewster Medical Robert Stevenson Tri Sub-Committee Stuart Elliott, Catherine Sen, Steve Willmott Secretary Olivia Wong Michelle Robinson Captain, Swimming and Triathlon Society bowling interest group (big) The main objective of the Bowling Interest Group (BIG) is to promote tenpin bowling within the Club both competitively and socially. BIG bowlers hold sessions every Thursday evening at the Club for practice and in order to enhance bowling skills with our resident coach Catherine Che, an Asian Games gold medallist and former Hong Kong national team player, who provides volunteer coaching for us. BIG is a member of the Hong Kong Inter Club Tenpin Bowling Association (HKICTB). Fortnightly HKICTB matches are held against clubs across Hong Kong. Competitions are also held within BIG. Furthermore, active members of BIG have an opportunity to represent the Club in competitions such as the Hong Kong Open and BOC Sports Festival. HKICTB League and Challenge Last June, we came second both in the HKICTB 2012 Team Challenge Cup Scratch and Handicap Tournaments. Another second place was achieved at the Hong Kong Inter Club Tenpin Bowling League on Handicap. Other competitions At the 55th Bank of China Hong Kong International Open and Hong Kong Sports Festival, BIG players scored over 200 in several games which resulted in us beating a number of professional bowling clubs. Committee Henry Luy Chairman Semon Cheung Secretary Emy Clarke Treasurer Anto Grabo Liaison Officer Marian Leung General Officer (Editor) David Duong General Officer Internal Intra League We are organising our BIG players to compete with different sporting groups within the Club to promote Ten Pin Bowling. We would like to congratulate all BIG bowlers for their hard work throughout the last 12 months and we look forward with great confidence to next year when we hope to gain some great results in competition. Henry Luy Chairman, Bowling Interest Group 37

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41 [ SECTION REPORTS ] HOCKEY SECTION This was a landmark season for the Hockey Section, being our 50th anniversary. It was always going to be difficult to top last season s success but, this year, perhaps buoyed by the enthusiasm and excitement created at the celebrations surrounding our 50th anniversary season, we did even better in almost every regard. By the time our Christmas party came around, dressed in 60s-themed uniforms to match our first decade, we already knew our mini and youth teams were having a very special season of attendance and results, and that the men s and ladies A teams had put themselves in control of their own league titles with very disciplined and exhilarating performances. Our Easter International Hockey Sixes tournament, now in its third year, was a huge success and provided a very enjoyable festival of hockey. We had visiting teams from Australia, Beijing, Jakarta and Switzerland as well as from all the major hockey clubs in Hong Kong taking part. In particular, the international exhibition matches between the Euro All Stars (featuring former World Player of the Year Michael Green and current Dutch internationals Quirijn Caspers and Laurence Docherty, amongst others) and the Hong Kong Barbarians made for thrilling viewing. We also welcomed the world s top male hockey player, Jamie Dwyer, to the Club for a five-day coaching tour. Jamie is a current Australian internationalist, five-time FIH World Hockey Player of the Year, and an Olympic gold medallist, so this was a unique opportunity to train with a genuine hockey superstar. To promote the Club and hockey in general to the wider hockey community in Hong Kong, the Section also arranged for Jamie to host training for local schools, and the Hong Kong junior and national squads. It wasn t all hard work of course: our social co-ordinators, Cristina Wilkinson and Russell Abel, organised some wonderful events throughout our 50th season and, in particular, the end-of season party was celebrated with great relish at the Club by more than 200 of our Section members, thereby turning the evening into a genuinely impressive tribute to the Section. A few of the hockey highlights from our season are summarised below. ladies hockey In our milestone season, ladies hockey had one of our most successful seasons of recent years. The A team continued their dominance of Hong Kong hockey with an almost flawless season, winning the Premier League title for the fifth consecutive year as well as the Champions Trophy, the Premier League ninea-side tournament and the Premier League seven-a-side tournament. They scored 110 goals in the process and conceded only five. At the Hong Kong Hockey Association Awards, Annette Jenkins won Most Outstanding Player and the Golden Stick Award, while Elianne Vos won Best Junior. Six members of our A team were selected for the Hong Kong national squad and played in a quadrangular invitational tournament against teams from Shenzhen, Korea and Japan, finishing in second place. The B team delivered another good season, fighting week in and week out to finish a solid fifth in the Premiership as well as making the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup. Despite a poor start to their season, the C team battled their way back into contention, eventually finishing in third place in the First Division. The D team had an extraordinary run, at one point looking as though they were going to snatch the First Division league crown. With a team full of promising youngsters who will certainly be the future of HKFC hockey, they finished a superb second in their division, as well as making the final of the Knockout Cup Plate competition. The E team (Dinos) had a shaky start to their campaign but, after an injection of young blood, 39

42 [ SECTION REPORTS ] 40 they regained their momentum and used their experience and skill to climb up their division ladder. The F team had a fantastic run, but a late draw relegated them to division runners-up by a single point. However, they only suffered one loss (fewer than the league champions) and made it to the final of the Bowl competition. Finally, the G team also had a great season, finishing third in their division their highest placing in many years. In all, six of our teams attained top three finishing spots in their respective leagues, which is a real testament to the ever-improving standard of hockey across the Section and clearly demonstrates our strength in depth. HOCKEY SECTION WOMEN S AWARDS AWARD The Amanda Lowe Trophy for Top Goal Scorer Alison Cabrelli Award for Most Improved Player Adi Glancy Junior Player of the Year Tom Holmes C Team Commitment Goalkeeper Award men s hockey WINNER Barbara Mountain (26 goals) Ffiona Coalter Elianne Vos Lydia Santa-Olalla Polly Studholme- Wilson The A team had a stellar year, finally exorcising their demons and winning the Premiership title for the first time since The run-in at the business end of the season, against the previous year s champions, was extremely tense. This year, the A team were very lucky to have recruited some excellent young players, including Gabriel Tsoi, who was the hero in the penultimate match of the season. His winner from an impossible angle in the last minute secured the vital points needed to clinch the league title. The B team had accepted promotion to the Premier League after three seasons of winning the First Division. Life was always going to be tough for a team going up to the top tier. Where a weaker team might have crumbled, the B team rallied: weekly training sessions were increased and began to pay dividends as the team claimed a few Premier league scalps over the season. The C team, on paper, should have been challenging for the Division One title but the new look side struggled at times, only really finding form in the last couple of months. The D team also struggled after their promotion to Division One, managing only one win over the course of the season. However, as is often the case with statistics, they do not always show the full picture and had a few more short corners been converted then it would have been a different story. The D team have a strong squad and they will look to build for next season. The E team had a tough season this year. However, despite having a hard time finding the net in many of their matches, they managed to finish mid-table. While the F team s league season was extremely up and down, their Cup form was terrific, with strong team spirit playing a huge part in their success and sweeping them to the Knockout Cup Plate final, narrowly losing on penalties. In Division Four, the G team and H team showed some of the most heated rivalry, passion and commitment the Section has ever seen! It was very fitting that they won jointly the Mike Lamont Award for Brinksmanship this season. HOCKEY SECTION MEN S AWARDS AWARD Golden Stick Ed Waller Memorial Award for Best Young Player Mike Lamont Award for Brinksmanship Chris Watson Award for Contribution to the Section WINNER(S) Yan Adams (20 goals) Gabriel Tsoi G Team and H Team Neil Galloway and Rob Barker

43 [ SECTION REPORTS ] mini and youth hockey This year represented our best mini and youth hockey season to date, both in terms of success on the pitch and membership. We continued to grow our base of youth players, which has been an overriding objective over the past few seasons with the ambition of developing future talent for the seniors. Notably, we are clearly developing a number of next generation hockey families across the Section, which is great to see. We are hopeful of seeing continued growth in the mini and youth section next year with the main challenges for us being: availability of volunteer coaches; development path for our older children into senior hockey; and a competitive tournament programme at youth level. age groups U8 This year we were almost overwhelmed with the number of players registering for the U8 group, 40% up in numbers from the previous year. This heralds an excellent development pipeline of young players for the future. Our teams have competed well throughout the season with several individual players getting recognition in competitions. U10 Last year was our best season and this year surpassed it. Aside from winning two tournaments there are other wins that we can argue are far more important. We saw a welcome number of defections to HKFC from other clubs throughout the season but the best gauge for success is visible before the training sessions where we now see the majority turning up early to practice. This added enjoyment and dedication has also seen a big improvement in the overall quality of the hockey. Whilst the overall performances have been much better, it would be unfair to not make special mention of the players who were deemed good enough to go and play in the U12s at the KCC tournament and subsequently won it with some very good hockey. U12 The U12s have a strong squad of players with selection for an A team very difficult given the depth of bench available. Many of our U12 players have come through our mini programme over the last few years and developed together as a team. We competed consistently in tournament finals throughout the year and are certainly now regarded as one of the teams to beat. We also returned to Singapore and won the tournament for the second year in a row, against increasingly stiff competition. Youth The biggest frustration for our youth players (U14 and U16) is a lack of opposition and competitive matches. Despite trying to entice other clubs down to play we have had limited success this year and it is a must do better for us next season. The highlights of the year were our second annual tour to Singapore for the U14 age group (together with the U12s), where we finished a creditable third, and the season closing match against Valley U14s where a fine effort in the second half, and some of the best hockey we had seen played all season, saw the HKFC team dominate for a 5-2 win and a great finish to the season. and finally The success of our men s and ladies teams, as well as mini and youth, could not have been achieved without the commitment and support of all our coaches and volunteer coaches who worked so hard throughout the season. In particular, the Section would like to thank Simon Chapman, our coaching Chef de Mission. Without their time, energy and commitment, our on-pitch achievements would not be possible. Niccola Russo Representative, Hockey Section 41

44 THIRST FOR WORK: Keeping an eye on the beverage stocks are (from left) Ran Wat Man Fai (Purchasing Officer) and Leo Liu Pak Yuen (Store and Ordering Clerk).

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46 [ SECTION REPORTS ] 44 LAWN BOWLS SECTION In a repetition of last year s report, most of the accolades go to our lady bowlers who again brought credit to the Club both internationally and domestically. The Ladies A team once again retained the First Division title with Camilla Leung skipping the best rink and Josephine Lam being the best player in the league. The B team were just behind in third place. Emmie Wong won our Outdoors Ladies Singles competition and so represented the Club in the Champion of Champions competition, where she came runner-up. More recently, she teamed up with Anne Gately in the Ladies National Pairs and in an all-hkfc final they beat Tammy Tham and Grace Chu. In the Triples event our team of Rita Tsui, Anna Clarke and Hannah Ha were beaten in the final. Internationally, Tammy Tham and Camilla Leung were selected to represent Hong Kong in the 2012 Asian Championships. Tammy won gold in the fours event and Camilla won bronze in both the singles and pairs event. Over Christmas, we sent two mixed teams to participate in the Guangzhou Invitation Fours and were delighted when one of our teams comprising two couples, Nick and Ida Grimshaw together with Philip and Wanis Sze, claimed the huge runners-up prize, which is the biggest trophy in our cabinet! For the first time we hosted a mixed team from the Royal Bangkok Sports Club in a friendly game that went down very well. There is serious talk of this becoming a regular event with plans for us to go down to Bangkok next year. In other national competitions we had the winning team of Winnie Au, Camilla Leung and Danny Ho in the Mixed Triples and then these three teamed up with CM Chan to win the Ronson Au Mixed Fours. In the annual Tiger Bowls tournament we had success in the Ladies Fours with Grace Chu, Tammy Tham, Connie Wong and Wong Yee Ming bringing home the winners trophy. As regards the Men s League, the notable achievements were the promotion of the B team to the First Division and the E team to the Fifth Division. In the Men s National Competition, we retained the trophy this time with Johnny Tsang and CT Wong pairing up to represent the Club. With the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association celebrating its 50th Golden Jubilee, the Winter League in a one-off event was played in Mixed Fours League format. It was a bit more social than normal with players forming their own teams playing as much for pleasure as for the result. We entered seven teams, none of which disgraced themselves and one of which got a runners-up cup in their division. In another jubilee event our ladies won their fours event with Terri Tsang, Anne Gately, Lydia Yang and Emmie Wong triumphing. The Golden Jubilee Dinner was held at the Club. SK Ng won the Club s Men s Singles event, beating Stanley Luk in the final, and Warren Cheung was voted the Most Improved Player of the Year. For the Ladies this award went to Calinna Chan. A new innovation has been the introduction of a Mixed Indoor Ladder which has attracted 40 members to sign up and play challenge matches against each other. This has proved most popular and games are being played on a very regular basis. Last but by no means least, the Section is delighted with the way the new outdoor green has settled and is already playing extremely well and true. With the ongoing professional care it can now only get better and will be a facility the Club can be truly proud of. Roger Nissim GC Representative, Lawn Bowls Section RUGBY SECTION Hong Kong Football Club dominated the domestic 2011/12 season with an emphatic clean sweep of the top three divisions. The Triple

47 [ SECTION REPORTS ] Crown saw the HKFC Newedge Club, Dragons and Scorpions lift their respective Grand Championship silverware and further realise the Rugby Section s vision of becoming one club. The Premier League Club team (the first XV) missed the league title due to an administrative error but redeemed themselves beating Kowloon in the Grand Championship final. The team was led by Stephen Nolan and Tom Bolland, and coached by Rob Naylor, Richard Kirk, Terry Wright, and James Mendes. MVP honours went to Tom Hayman and Jimmy Richards as the team looked to fill the void left by the departure of Club stalwart Nigel Hobler. The HKRFU also named Rob Naylor as Coach of the Year and Rory Hussey as Player of the Year. The Dragons played in Premier A and impressively dismantled a strong Causeway Bay outfit in the Grand Championship final. The team was led strongly by Hugh Baggie and Ant Philips, with the MVP going to Lachlan Chubb. Tom Bolland won the Brian Huddleston Trophy for Best and Fairest Player in the Section, Alex Duperouzel won the Jack Kelly Award for Section Man of the Year, and Florentin Servant won the Paul Gibbs Trophy for Most Improved Player, Section wide. HKFC enjoyed the selection of 13 players for men s representative honours in 2011/12, including Tom Bolland (15s), Lachlan Chubb (15s), Jamie Hood (15s and sevens), Rory Hussey (15s), Mike Glancy (15s), Stephen Nolan (15s), Mike McKee (15s and sevens), Peter McKee (15s and sevens), Guy Payn (15s), Adam Raby (15s and sevens), Ian Ridgway (15s) and Dan Watson (15s). The Scorpions remained undefeated and won the Championship and League double in the Community League One. There was a diverse range of age, skill and training attendance, but the boys left everything out on the field each week, with the MVP going to James Atkinson. Select aimed to go the season unbeaten and integrate the Colts (from youth rugby) talent into the senior section. They were in the competitive Community League Two and finished a commendable mid-table against competition that could have been playing up a grade. Ed Bracken picked up the MVP and David Egerton and Jonathan Moore coached both the Scorpions and Select. The Bulls celebrated their 20th year by finishing Community League Three undefeated, clinching the league title in resounding fashion. Coached by James Riordan and Karl Rowe, and captained by an inspirational Richard Elms, the team also integrated five Colts players into the team in a great Section initiative. The MVP went to Conrad Wong. The women s Ice team had a successful season guided by coach Quinton Wrigley, finishing mid-table in a strong women s league, and captained by a shared senior leadership group. Alison Lee was named MVP and the team looks to make the top four next season. Royce Chan (15s and sevens) co-captained the 2012 Hong Kong Women s sevens team in the IRB Women s Sevens Challenge Cup, while Fiona Foxon and Daniella Means represented Hong Kong in the 2011 Asian Rugby Women s Sevens Championships. The Sequins, led strongly by Douglas Morton, Mark Pulvirenti and David Animal Slater, were knocked out in the semi-finals of the Grand Championship despite playing international imports Tony Daley, David Campese, Mike Teague, and Chester Williams. MVP went to Stephen Marcon and, in 2012/13, the Sequins will look to fill the void left by the departure of Miles Remington, a Sequins and Section stalwart. Contemptibles are our veteran side and look for more opposition to add to the season opening Singapore Cricket Club tour match and the memorial games the Kim Robinson Trophy v Wai Fung, Forbes McCirrick s Ashes v Old Valley and Nick Villeprieux Trophy v Pot Bellied Pigs. James O Connor and all the Colts Rugby committee deserve a huge show of thanks for the enormous amount of great work they have done for the U14s, U16s and U19s teams this Colts Rugby season. 45

48 [ SECTION REPORTS ] 46 The U19s won their division and 12 players gained representative honours. Ashley Frith, Flynn Kennedy, Rian Howlett, John Oven, Patrick Cook and Hayden Warren successfully played for the HKFC men s teams. The U19s were coached by Ken Woodward, supported by Terry Wright, Mike McKee and Lawrence Webb, and managed by James O Connor. National representatives at U18s level included Raef Morrison, Richard Lewis, Michael Coverdale, Patrick Cook, Martin Field, James Mason and Sebastian Stiles. The U16s had a successful year with two teams of equal strength entered into Division One and a team in Division Two. The Blues beat DeA in the Championship Cup while the Reds beat Valley in the Shield final. National representatives included Andrew Purdon, Ho Tak Yip, Jordan Bintan, Emiel Verkade, Chris Pierrepont, Hugo Choi, Kevin Field, and Will Sanger. Coaches, lead by Brent York, were instrumental in the success of the age grade. The U14s entered four teams this year, and the Division One Blues won the League and Championship, while the Division Three Blues won their league. National representatives included Greg Anderson, James Bradley, Jackson Cook, Nicholas Harris, Garren Ho, Eugene Leung, and Jason Mallabone. A big thanks goes to all the coaches, headed by Iain Seow, and management across the teams for making the season so successful. Kevin Taylor and the Mini Rugby committee deserve a huge thanks for the enormous amount of great work this season, supporting several teams in every age group from U6s to U12s Mini rugby is an integral part of the Section with a record 34 teams this season, winning tournaments domestically and abroad. Minis started competitive rugby at girls U12 and girls U10 levels this year. A huge crowd of approximately 3,000 were at the Mini Rugby Festival organised by the Mini Rugby section and held at the Club. The future of HKFC rugby looks bright with a record number of coaches at IRB L1 and IRB L2 standard. The Taipan s Fixture, a match between players from across Hong Kong chosen by a leading Hong Kong business figure, and a suitable challenger, played from 1951 to 1997 and resurrected in 2011, was again proudly hosted by the Rugby Section. This year s taipan, BlackRock Asia Pacific Chairman Mark McCombe, graciously agreed to select the Taipan s XV and host the dinner celebration. Club legend Bob Lloyd kindly agreed to provide this year s opposition. Both sides producing some fantastic rugby in a hard fought game, with the honours this year going to the challenger. The day featured matches ranging from a university alumni challenge to a mini rugby tournament, all played to the backdrop of a stunning festival day with presenting partners Jack Wills and BlackRock. The Rugby Section again organised and hosted the 2012 GFI HKFC Tens held at HKFC. The two-day event, described as the best tens tournament in the world, was won by the starstudded BGC APBs, with Newedge Club winning the Shield. The Christina Noble Children s Foundation was the official charity. Thank you to Chris Harker and the HKFC Tens Organising Committee for another great tournament. The important charity component of the Section also included the Ben Kende Ball, raising funds for Club Member Ben Kende, who broke his neck the year before last playing for Hong Kong. The Annual Bali Memorial Rugby Match between HKFC and the Pot Bellied Pigs was played at the Club on Friday, 23 March. We farewell our loyal physiotherapist and great mate Tim Mungo McCosker this year. We wish Mungo and his wife, Edith, all the best with their new life in Australia. A big thank you to the many who contributed to a great season, and special thanks to: Rugby players (268 Senior, 304 Colts and 632 Mini players) All Rugby Section coaches, managers, captains, committee members and many, many more volunteers

49 [ SECTION REPORTS ] All our Senior rugby sponsors: Newedge, DHL, QNet, CBRE, and Talent2 All our Youth rugby sponsors: NAB, Kennedys, CLSA and EC Harris Our HKFC Rugby Tens Sponsors: GFI HKRFU for its support for the game s growth and development The referees who strive to make every game possible, fair and safe The General Committee, Management and Staff at the HKFC for all their help and support The rugby community in Hong Kong, and around the world which make this special game in our unique city so remarkable Damian Babis Chairman, Rugby Section SOCCER SECTION The 2011/12 season was one of transition for the Soccer Section. The first team saw an exit of players following relegation from the HKFA First Division, which allowed opportunities for players from the Yau Yee League to step up and fill the vacuum. As such it was a challenge for the Yau Yee League teams to perform as strongly as they did in 2010/11. There was transition on the committee, also. While the team reps on the committee remained unchanged in the main, we started the season with a new Chairman, Captain, Treasurer, Secretary and Social Secretary. Fortunately, Scott Semple, Pat Burns, Dougie Thomson and Michael Campion have proved themselves to be competent and enthusiastic in their new roles. At the end of August 2011 we held a meeting between the respective team managers in order that we had transparency of information and, although it was painful at times, I appreciated the honesty and professionalism shown not just by the managers but also the players who were affected by these changes. As ever, there were lessons to be learned and I do feel that if the first team are ever promoted and subsequently relegated again from the First Division, we need to open dialogue early with the likes of the Yau Yee League to accommodate internal player movements, as the restrictions imposed by the league made for a difficult time for one or two players and their managers. On the field, I was immensely proud of the performances from all of the teams despite the rebuilding that took place. The first team narrowly missed promotion to the First Division and were the victims of a harsh ruling in their first game of the season that robbed them of three points which, in the end, was the difference between second place and third where they finished. Despite running with a fairly small squad, Tony Sealy and Paul Foster have shaped a very good team and it was great to see a number of the younger players from the Colts move up and feature strongly later in the season. Lucky Mile faced a very tough season in an increasingly competitive Third Division and finished just above mid-table. I was impressed with their attitude to training and, with an improvement of discipline on the field, they should have a chance of promotion back to the Second Division next season. I m sure many within the Section remember the games between Lucky Mile and the first team in the past and it would be great to bring those days back to the Club. In the Yau Yee League, Wanderers retained their League Cup with an excellent 2-0 win over USRC. Also pleasing was the turnout of supporters, for both the semi-final and final, at Kings Park, something I know the players fully appreciated. Mark Bavis and Steven Crane have decided after two years in charge to step down from running the team and should be proud of their success in ensuring continued silverware for three consecutive years now for Wanderers. Albion found that losing key players was a bridge too far in retaining their league champions status, although they had a strong finish to the season. It was also sad to see Lee 47

50 TAKING A BREAK: Members of the Club s workforce enjoy lunch in the staff canteen.

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52 [ SECTION REPORTS ] 50 Douris leave for the UK midway through the season he is a big miss to the players and to the wider Section but, fortunately, he has a great replacement in Tony Hamilton. The work Lee did to re-ignite Albion as a force to be reckoned with will be remembered for a long time and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes. The continued success of the youth pathway has made selection for the Colts difficult at times. On the field, Colts had a mid-table finish and I know that Bobby Lawson and his coaches were pleased with this effort The ladies season continued well into June 2012 and the Section will look to integrate them further. Whilst performances on the field have been mixed, their support for social events at the Club has been excellent and changes being made to the youth platform in order that we can coach female players from a younger age will hopefully bear fruit in the years ahead. Within the junior and youth section, I have been hugely impressed with the amount of time that members give up for free in order to make this a success, something I possibly didn t appreciate prior to becoming Chairman. An increasing number of players who have represented the senior section over the years are now passing on their knowledge and experience to the younger players. To highlight every success over the season would make for a very long report, but it should be noted that all three teams competing in the HKFA Henderson League made it to the final stages of the competition. One of the successes of the season, in my view, has been the closer ties between the junior and youth section and the senior section and I look forward to this continuing. Last, but not least, within the junior and youth section, it has been another wonderful year for the Crusaders, a project which just grows and grows. To see these players not only on a Monday night but also at the Soccer Sevens is uplifting for everyone and Nigel Merritt and his team should be congratulated for their dedicated work. The 2012 HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens was undoubtedly the most successful yet in terms of the standards of organisation, performance on the field and attendance at the weekend. The Sevens committee spent an immense amount of time negotiating with Citibank and the Government for sponsorship this year. As a result, Citibank signed a three-year deal with the Club for initially $2 million, increasing to $2.5 million next year with an additional $1 million from the Hong Kong Government s M Fund. As well as Mark Bavis and Lee Douris stepping down from their respective roles, the following also stood down at the Section AGM. Jamie Milne, David Owens, Robert Norman and Dougie Thomson, and I would like to place on record my thanks for their efforts. I should also highlight the immense amount of work that our GC Representative Martyn Russell has contributed over the past 12 months and I am grateful for the huge amounts of time and support he has provided. The 2012/13 season will inevitably bring with it challenges, however, with the ongoing support of the members, I am very positive about the prospects of the Section. We are on a secure footing financially and I feel that we are developing a longer-term plan in all areas. Finally, I would just like to thank every member of the Section for his or her support and feedback, both positive and negative, in my first year as Chairman. Neil Jensen Chairman, Soccer Section SQUASH SECTION This was my first year as Chairman and the Section started off the year with our fifth International Three tournament. Coinciding with the Club s 125th anniversary, this was the biggest squash competition to date hosted by the Club with a total of 35 teams participating, 11 of which were from overseas.

53 [ SECTION REPORTS ] With the Meco Group once again sponsoring the event, we were able to invite Jonathan Power, Hisham Ashour and Thierry Lincou to participate and run a number of clinics and exhibition games during the tournament. Our thanks go to the Meco Group and to those involved in setting up the tournament, including David Murray, Lee Robinson and Phil Head. With the Meco Group agreeing to increase sponsorship for this year, in October we were able to invite five-time world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sarah Fitz-Gerald to the Club. Sarah ran multiple squash clinics both for juniors and adults. Following an exhibition match between the U19s No.1 and No.2 players, Lee Ka Yi and Ho Tzu Lok, Sarah played an exhibition match against HKFC ladies No.1 and Hong Kong top 10 player Carmen Lee. Sarah won the match but said that we should all watch out as Carmen will be climbing the world rankings very soon. My thanks go to Emma Pike for her hard work in organising Sarah s visit to the Club. Staying with international matches and world class players, in March we held our first Professional Squash Association tournament. The main draw had 16 players with the top seed being the world No.13, Egypt s Omar Mosaad, who won the tournament by beating second seed Ollie Tuominen from Finland. Hong Kong s Leo Au, Max Lee and Dick Lau also played in the tournament and Leo, a qualifier, enjoyed a great run to the semi-finals before being defeated by Omar. It was fantastic to host world class players all week and see so many spectators showing such enthusiasm for the tournament. Once again, my thanks go to Meco Group for their generous support and to David Murray and Phil Head for organising. At the beginning of this year we took on a new sponsor for the league, Village Holdings, who will sponsor the Section on a two-year contract. Mark Bromhead, whom many of you will know, is the Managing Director of Village Holdings and a longstanding member of the Section. My thanks go to Mark and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the coming year. The 2011/12 League Season has proved very competitive and highly entertaining. Consistent with our objective to build on the modest success of last year, most conveners stayed on in their positions and were key to refining team selection and motivating players. I am delighted to report that by the end of the season 17 of our 20 men s teams had finished in the top four places of their leagues putting them into the Final Series Playoffs taking five league titles and five playoff series wins in the process. Final results were: League winning teams (x 5): 3, 8, 16, M1a, M2. League runners-up (x 6): 5b, 6, 10, 12, 13, M1b Playoff winners (x 5): 3, 10, 16, M1a, M2 Playoff runners-up (x 6): 5b, 6, 8, 12, 14, M1b To plan for 2012/13, we started drafting team lists very early (March) to allow teams to gel and to ensure that every available and motivated player could enjoy playing an active part in the league. Sincere thanks to all the conveners who again did a great job of keeping their teams competitive throughout the year and also to Rita Tsui and the team at Hong Kong Squash who put in a huge amount of effort to run the league and to resolve our numerous requests and queries throughout the year. My thanks go to Malcolm Kerr and Adrian Ng for their hard work and commitment to the Section. As regards the five ladies teams we entered in to the league this year, four of them made the playoffs. Overall it was a good season, with the final standings being: Division 1 Ladies Division 1 Fourth, this is the first time our Division 1 team has made it to the top four for finals so it is definitely an achievement. 51

54 [ SECTION REPORTS ] 52 Division 2 Ladies 2A Came second in the league and lost in the second finals match, finishing third after playoffs. Ladies 2B Came fourth in the league and lost in their first finals match, finishing fourth after playoffs. Division 3 Ladies 3A Came sixth in the league Ladies 3B Came second in the league and lost in the second finals match, finishing third after playoffs. My thanks go to Emma Pike for her hard work throughout the year and to all the ladies for their efforts in the league. Also, big congratulations to all the new mums this year, we can t wait to see you all back on court soon. Simon Ho has maintained a full calendar of internal tournaments throughout the year. The Summer League kicked off last June with 40 regular players plus 50 pool players participating in eight teams with a celestial theme of the planets. After eight weeks of fierce competition, Kalpesh Doshi s Team Mercury finished on top as double League and Cup Champions. The Team Champion was won by Roger Liden s Team Earth and the infamous Wooden Spoon Award went to Tom Keenan s Team Mars. In September the Handicap Tournament drew 64 entries. This year Tim Fan successfully defended his title and defeated Vincent Yu in a monumental battle that took over one hour and 45 minutes, covering more than 200 points! The Plate went to Andrew Town, who defeated Mark Rittmayer. The annual World Cup Tournament was held on 4 February, and attracted 64 participants representing eight teams. This year, Team China successfully defended their title in the handicap category, closely followed by Team England. In the regular category, the winner went to Team England, which narrowly defeated Team China. The top scorer award went to Tim Fan with 96 points. In the Club Championships this year (see table below), on top of the familiar Men s and Ladies Open and Men s and Ladies Masters categories, by popular demand we introduced a Men s Super Masters category for those over 50 years of age. In all, the tournament attracted a total of 135 participants competing for 11 different trophies. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS COMPETITION WINNER RUNNER-UP Men s Open Cup Chad Sunde Vincent Yu Ladies Open Cup Carmen Lee Shina Leung Men s Masters Cup Phil Head Malcolm Kerr Ladies Masters Cup Pat Choong Iris Sung Men s Super Masters Cup James Barrington Hugh Dyus Men s Open Plate Rajash Nihalani Brian MacDougall Ladies Open Plate Angel Choi Winnie So Men s Masters Plate Brian MacDougall George Chan Men s Super Masters Plate Julian Ragless David Murray Men s Open Bowl Vinod Harjani Arthur Wong Ladies Open Bowl Suzanne Sadler Lita Lee

55 [ SECTION REPORTS ] My thanks to Simon Ho who has worked very hard and did a fantastic job throughout the year. With the interclub matches, Mike Belbin has been busy as usual: The Master Super Sixes in November was held at the Club with teams from American Club, United Services Recreation Club, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hong Kong Cricket Club and two teams from HKFC. There were 96 games and over 4,000 points scored. The winners were USRC. Interclub v HKCC at HKCC in November. Winners were HKFC. USRC 100th anniversary match at USRC. Winners were HKFC. HKFC v Singapore Cricket Club at the HKFC resulted in a 4-4 tie. My thanks to Mike Belbin for his hard work organising these matches over the year. Neil Roberts has been busy looking after membership this year and, as of 30 April 2012, the Section has 256 members. New systems have been implemented to constantly monitor those members joining the Section under the Sports Preferred Memberships which are designed to ensure they are participating in both league, Section matches and socially, in accordance with their Sports Preferred Membership commitment. My thanks to Neil Roberts for his work throughout the year. David Murray has been looking after the social scene. Our Start of Season Party, on 17 September, kicked off with a Swing While You re Winning theme at the Restaurant. The Stray Katz, a 19 piece band, performed a number of sets over the night and were very entertaining. It was a very well attended party with 109 people getting together. The Christmas party on 17 December was themed Glitz and Glamour and, by popular demand, we brought back The Magic of Motown, the legendary Bobby Taylor and his band. In addition, Bobby had two young female singers who gave superb performances. This was a very enjoyable evening with 75 people attending despite it being so close to Christmas. On 8 February, we held the Village Holdings Bowling Night for the Section. The evening put eight bowling teams of three playing against each other with prizes for the best team score and individual score and a booby prize for the worst performer of the night! It was a fun event. To close the season, on Saturday 19 May, our End of Season Party had a Uniformed theme. This event is timed to coincide with the finals of the Club Championships and to wrap up the end of the season. My thanks to David Murray for his hard work throughout the year on what can be sometimes a difficult task in building the number of attendees to these events. Coaching continues to be extremely active with coaches Phil Head, Chad Sunde, Emma Pike and Greg Christison. Greg joined the coaching staff in 2011 to help with the Junior Squash programme and has proved very successful in motivating the juniors at the clinics. Greg has also started to give some private lessons to some of the junior players. We have 45 active juniors who play every Wednesday and Friday and the coaches are very pleased with their progress. Four of our girls will be trying out for the ladies teams next season and we wish them the best of luck. Club nights continue to be run every other Friday and are well attended. My thanks to Phil Head, Emma Pike, Chad Sunde and Greg Christison for their sterling work throughout the year. On the overseas front, we sent eight teams to the Singapore Jumbo tournament held at the Tanglin Club. Tim Fan and Kenny Foo won the Classic Plate competition while Dallas Reid and Brian McDougall finished first runners-up in the Masters competition. Other results included Phil Head and Glenn Hitch making it to the quarter-finals of the Cup, 53

56 [ SECTION REPORTS ] 54 losing eventually to the overall tournament winners, RSA1 from Malaysia. George Chan and William Fan reached the semi-finals of the Masters and Keith Frith and Matt Robinson the third round of the Cup. In April, at the RBSC in Bangkok, we had six teams competing, namely Phil Head and Glenn Hitch, Keith Frith and Matt Robinson, Tim Fan and Kenny Foo, George Chan and William Fan, Martin Huxley and Guy Norman, and Simon Barton and a friend from one of the Singapore clubs. Phil Head and Glenn Hitch lost to the eventual winners in the semi-finals. Keith Frith and Matt Robinson were runners-up in the Plate. Tim Fan and Kenny Foo lost in the semifinals of the Plate and George Chan and William Fan lost in second round. It is excellent that we have such great support for the overseas visits from both players and spectators and my thanks to Keith Frith for organising these tours throughout the year. Last November, we again hosted the annual Wing Ding tournament which was arranged by Tim Everest and Rovanna Lai, supported by a sub-committee from the Section, with many others who helped on the day. This was the 13th annual event and was part of the South China Morning Post s Operation Santa Claus, which raises funds for needy charitable causes which do not receive any financial support from the Government. Many of the Section members put an incredible amount of work into the event and their labours resulted in raising well in excess of $1.5 million. Once again, I would like to express the Section s thanks to Village Holdings who have been our league sponsors for the past year and to Meco Group who have sponsored our international tournaments throughout the year. Their support to the Section is greatly appreciated. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all of those people who have given their time in various ways to assist with the numerous matches, tournaments and ad hoc events throughout the past 12 months, including those not mentioned from the committee: Dave Reeves (GC Representative) Lee Robinson (Treasurer) Maarten Van de Steen (Secretary) Jo Babis (Publicity) Adam Wilson Chairman, Squash Section

57 [ FINANCIAL REPORTS ] 55

58 [ FINANCIAL REPORTS ] HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE The General Committee submits its report together with the audited financial statements of Hong Kong Football Club (the Club ) for the year ended 31 May principal activities The Club s principal activity is the promotion of rugby, hockey, lawn bowls, soccer, squash and other sporting and leisure activities to its Members and to others, including schools, societies and similar organisations. It also provides social amenities such as food and beverage, meeting and function facilities to its Members and their guests. results 56 The notes on pages 63 to 75 are an integral part of these financial statements. All amounts in Hong Kong dollars unless otherwise stated. The results of the Club for the year are set out in the statement of comprehensive income on page 60. property, plant and equipment Details of the movements in property, plant and equipment of the Club are set out in note 5 to the financial statements. reserves Movements in the reserves of the Club during the year are set out in page 61 to the financial statements. donations Financial contributions to charity made by the Club and its Sections/Associations/Societies as well as groups of members during the financial year amounted to HK$444,115 (2011: HK$1,547,484). Of this total HK$100,000 (2011: HK$255,000) was directly donated by the Club. general committee members The General Committee Members during the year and up to date of this report were: Dermot Agnew President Fook Aun Chew Chairman David Charles Wilfred Howell Honorary Treasurer John Joseph Shanahan Honorary Secretary James Desmond Collins-Taylor Vice-President Nicholas David Hunsworth Vice-President Charles Robert Lawson Vice-President Francis Iain Valentine Vice-President David Anthony Reeves Fergus Robert McCoig (resigned on 10 November 2011) John Bernard Molloy Lynn Rees Edwards (resigned on 10 November 2011) Mark Owen Clift Maurice John O Brien Michael John Wood Niccola Luisa Russo (appointed on 10 November 2011) Philip Duncan Lewis Woolf (appointed on 10 November 2011) Robert Martyn Russell Roger Anthony Nissim Tak Fai Desmond Ko

59 [ FINANCIAL REPORTS ] HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE In accordance with Article 10.8(A) and (B) of the Club s Articles of Association, all General Committee Members hold office until the next annual general meeting, except the President who holds office for three years, and the Chairman, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer who hold office for two years. All officers, being eligible, can offer themselves for reelection. general committee members interests No contracts of significance in relation to the Club s business to which the Club was a party and in which a General Committee Member had a material interest, whether directly or indirectly, subsisted at the end of the year or at any time during the year. At no time during the year was the Club a party to any arrangement to enable the General Committee Members to hold interests or short positions in the shares or underlying shares in, or debentures of, the Club or its associated corporations. management contracts No contracts concerning the management and administration of the whole or any substantial part of the business of the Club were entered into or existed during the year. auditor The financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers who retire and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment. On behalf of the General Committee Chairman Hong Kong, 17 September 2012 The notes on pages 63 to 75 are an integral part of these financial statements. All amounts in Hong Kong dollars unless otherwise stated. 57

60 [ FINANCIAL REPORTS ] INDEPENDENT AUDITOR S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB (Incorporated in Hong Kong and limited by guarantee) We have audited the financial statements of Hong Kong Football Club set out on pages 59 to 75, which comprise the balance sheet as at 31 May 2012, and the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of changes in funds and reserves and the statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. general committee s responsibility for the financial statements 58 The notes on pages 63 to 75 are an integral part of these financial statements. All amounts in Hong Kong dollars unless otherwise stated. The General Committee is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, and for such internal control as the General Committee determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. auditor s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit and to report our opinion solely to you, as a body, in accordance with section 141 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and for no other purpose. We do not assume responsibility towards or accept liability to any other person for the contents of this report. We conducted our audit in accordance with Hong Kong Standards on Auditing issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity s preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the General Committee, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. opinion In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Club s affairs as at 31 May 2012, and of its deficit and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. PricewaterhouseCoopers Certified Public Accountants Hong Kong, 17 September 2012

61 [ FINANCIAL REPORTS ] BALANCE SHEET As at 31 May Note ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 5 17,226,057 33,758,861 Intangible assets 6 4,815,000 4,815,000 22,041,057 38,573,861 Current assets Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 8 137,522,378 - Inventories 9 1,999,445 2,055,626 Debtors and prepayments 10 12,803,044 13,533,659 Cash and cash equivalents 11 17,794, ,325, ,118, ,914,858 Total assets 192,159, ,488,719 FUNDS AND RESERVES Members funds ,958, ,007,510 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Creditors, accruals and other payables 13 28,201,076 29,481,209 Total liabilities 28,201,076 29,481,209 Total funds and liabilities 192,159, ,488,719 The notes on pages 63 to 75 are an integral part of these financial statements. All amounts in Hong Kong dollars unless otherwise stated. 59 Fook Aun Chew John J Shanahan David CW Howell Chairman Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer The financial statements on pages 59 to 75 were approved by the General Committee on 17 September 2012 and were signed on its behalf.