Talent Development Scholarship

I am Paco Chan, an athlete of the Hong Kong, China football team, playing for Kwoon Chung Southern in the Hong Kong Premier League.  I am a fourth-year student majoring in Sports and Recreation Management at the Vocational Training Council.  The award of the scholarship gives me a great deal of encouragement.  It is a recognition of my efforts, motivating me to keep up the hard work in my study and sporting career. 

I am studying to become a sports therapist and what I have learnt is beneficial to the development of my athletic career.  By applying the knowledge acquired in the courses, I have avoided sports injuries and improved my football skills.  This sustains my momentum in pursuit of higher goals on the sporting journey.

Football has brought me great honour and lifelong memories such as competing against top-level footballers as a member of the Hong Kong, China team in the Hangzhou Asian Games in front of more than ten thousand spectators.  Moreover, the sport has shaped my character and benefited my personal growth in numerous ways.  It has taught me discipline, team spirit, perseverance, and the importance of achieving goals.  Having experienced victories and setbacks on the pitch, I have built my resilience and learnt to appreciate the value of hard work.

As an awardee of the Talent Development Scholarship, I would advise younger peers to embrace their interests and talents wholeheartedly and strike a balance between study and life.  It is imperative to devote time and effort to hone their skills, seek advice from mentors or coaches, and strive for continuous improvement.  Only with persistent practice, determination and a positive attitude can a person make achievements in his/her chosen field.

After graduation, I will pursue my passion for football and reach for higher goals while applying my knowledge to support athletes in their injury rehabilitation.  Moreover, I plan to become a coach to help younger players unleash their potential with the experience I have accumulated.  I am thankful to my coaches who have kindled my enthusiasm for becoming a professional footballer.  I will pass on the faith and motivate younger peers to fulfil their aspirations.