- The 2024 edition of HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens kicks off in May
- Leicester City’s Under-21s will compete in Group D alongside Newcastle United
- The Foxes are taking a 10-man squad to Hong Kong for the seven-a-side tournament
The annual tournament, which is returning for its 25th anniversary, features Premier League 2 teams, as well as sides across Asia, all competing for the Main Cup title at the picturesque location of Hong Kong Football Club.
Set in the Happy Valley district of the country, fans from around the continent will descend on the region from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 May to support their clubs in the seven-a-side tournament, which is known for its fast-paced gameplay within two seven-minute halves.
Twice previous winners in 2013 and 2017, the Foxes, coached by Ben Petty, return to Hong Kong having reached the quarter-finals last year, before losing out in the Shield competition final.
Three of that squad from 2023 are back once more, with 22-year-old goalkeeper Brad Young hoping to continue his impressive form between the sticks having played 18 times during the PL2 campaign, keeping three clean sheets.
Brandon Cover is another returnee after transitioning into an inverted full-back, earning his senior debut this term. The versatile youngster, a Jamaica international, has gone from strength to strength coming through the Academy ranks.
Portuguese wideman Wanya Marçal, meanwhile, has also experienced First Team action in 2023/24, making his first start and scoring his first goal on the road to City securing the Sky Bet Championship title.
Soccer Sevens debutants Henry Cartwright, Jayden Joseph, Oli Ewing, Logan Briggs, Silko Thomas, Amani Richards and Chris Popov complete the 10-man squad list, part of a team packed with attacking quality.
City will meet Newcastle United, Tai Po FC and Singapore Cricket Club in the group stage, with the top two teams from each of the four pools qualifying for the knockout stages. Facing competition from PL2, as well as the Hong Kong Premier League and last year’s beaten finalists, Group D is shaping up well.
Elsewhere, defending champions Aston Villa have been drawn with West Ham United in Group A and Group C pits Fulham against Rangers. Brighton & Hove Albion are in Group B and the other British club to complete the line-up.
The Main Event is scheduled to kick off on Saturday 25 May, concluding with the showpiece final on the Sunday, while the Masters and Women’s tournaments will begin at Sports Road on Friday.