Hong Kong Soccer Sevens
The yearly invitational seven-a-side tournament brings together the best youth and reserve sides in the world, and this competition has brought notable success to Aston Villa in the past - with a squad of reserve and youth players fielded for the 3 day event.
Villa - inspired by Stephen Cooke and Steven Foley clinched the trophy in the final against Manchester United in 2004 for their first success. Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor captained Villa to the semi-final in 2006 - losing to the eventual winners Urawa Red Diamonds - and also received the 'Player Of The Tournament' accolade. Villa won the competition again in May 2010, beating Central Coast Mariners of Australia in the final, with American playmaker David Sherman-Hay winning 'Player Of The Tournament'. Villa then went onto losing the competition a year later, defeated Yau Yee Select, Bulova Rangers and PSV Eindhoven in the group stages. Further victories against Eastleigh, Australian Institute of Sport and Glasgow Celtic in the final, ensured the title was regained. Additionally, young Scottish midfielder Barry Bannan won the 'Player Of The Tournament' accolade.
Read more about this topic: Aston Villa F.C. Reserves And Academy
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