Development Grants: New era kicks off in Hong Kong, China

By Chris McAsey

An AFL Asia Development Grant has enabled the Hong Kong Dragons to forge new partnerships in the community and drive participation at local and international levels.

The Dragons registered as a new entity, the Australian Football League Hong Kong, China (AFLHK) in December 2024 and have since hit the ground running, organising community footy activities in collaboration with various schools and universities.

AFLHK President Rami Chan said the registration has empowered the club to boost local footy activities.

‘In the past, breaking into schools and universities was a challenge for us,’ Rami said.

‘But now we’re able to position ourselves as the national body for AFL in Hong Kong, which has opened doors to offer workshops directly on campuses.’

In a fantastic milestone, the Australian International School Hong Kong recently hosted its first inter-house AFL Cup, which featured the AFLHK logo on the trophy.

‘We also collaborated recently with Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) to integrate AFL into their Physical Education module on Sports and Society, creating a dynamic learning experience for students.’

AFLHK registration has enabled the club to forge valuable connections with teachers and staff in PE departments of local universities. Their support was instrumental in promoting a University Fun Day event, targeting athletes from various sports codes. Some of the athletes have now joined in Dragons’ training sessions.

‘We’re particularly excited that nearly half of our new participants are girls,’ Rami said. ‘The increase in female participation is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity.’

Several female athletes recruited from the University Fun Day will participate in an AFLW curtain-raiser at the upcoming South China AFL Grand Final in Guangzhou, competing against players from cities such as Dongguan and Xiamen.

On the international front, Rami said the grant played a crucial role in enabling the Hong Kong, China Lions to participate at the inaugural AFL Asia Cup in Vietnam.

‘The grant covered all the team’s merchandise and equipment for the tournament,’ he said.

‘The support from AFL Asia really made it possible for the Hong Kong, China Lions to make their debut at an international AFL tournament.’

The club is rightly proud of the newly-formed team’s performances at the AFL Asia Cup. After a tough opening day, falling short against cross-border rivals China and Indonesia, the Lions regrouped to record wins over Vietnam (87 – 35) and eventual semi-finalists India (58 – 47).

While pleased to record its first wins at an international tournament, Rami said the club also has its eye on the future.

‘For us, participation is key,’ he said. ‘As a newly established national team, it’s so rewarding to witness the passion and enjoyment of local players at international tournaments.’

‘The Hong Kong Dragons are honoured to contribute to the growth of AFL football in Hong Kong, and there’s an increasing number of local players getting involved in the national team.’

Rami said the AFL Asia Cup will provide a pathway and extra motivation for players in Hong Kong.

‘The AFL Asia Cup has undoubtedly helped drive interest and momentum for AFL in Hong Kong,’ he said.

‘The tournament showcases a clear pathway for players to reach the national team level.’

‘With Auskick Hong Kong recently coming within the AFLHK family, we’re now offering a pathway from juniors to seniors, and from club football to the national team’

‘The future of AFL in Hong Kong is bright!’