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The Football Association of Hong Kong, China
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Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong helped me reach English Premier League, Aston Villa’s Omari Kellyman says

  • Villa will defend their crown at next week’s HKFC Standard Chartered tournament, with a host of other English clubs also visiting the city
  • Starring role in Hong Kong last year was ‘important stepping stone’ towards Premier League debut against Manchester City, according to Kellyman

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Omari Kellyman celebrates scoring for Aston Villa in last year’s Soccer Sevens cup final. Photo: HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens
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Aston Villa’s Omari Kellyman has described last year’s HKFC Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong as an important step towards his recent English Premier League debut as his clubmates prepare to defend their title in the city next week.

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Kellyman, who won the player-of-the-tournament award when Villa won the Soccer Sevens last May, became the latest of the event’s alumni to hit the big time when he featured against Manchester City on April 3, a game his side lost 4-1.

The attacking midfielder, 18, was following in the footsteps of previous Soccer Sevens players who went on to establish themselves in the Premier League. Jack Grealish, now a treble winner with City, and Gabriel Agbonlahor are among those who played for Villa in Hong Kong on their way to the club’s first team.

“I loved the experience last year at the HKFC Soccer Sevens and was grateful to be named player of the tournament,” Kellyman said.

Aston Villa players lift the trophy last May at Hong Kong Football Club. Photo: HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens
Aston Villa players lift the trophy last May at Hong Kong Football Club. Photo: HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens

“It was another important stepping stone in my personal development and has helped towards making my debut in the Premier League this season.”

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