Operation Santa Claus: 260 play for charity at Hong Kong Football Club tournament
OSC x HKFC 5-a-side Football Tournament 2025 turns competitive sport into an occasion for inclusion, community spirit and charitable giving
A charity football tournament brought cheers across Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Recreation Ground, with 260 players, including under-10 to under-12 boys and girls, players with Down syndrome and adults, taking part in the event.
The tournament was jointly organised by Operation Santa Claus (OSC) – the annual fundraising campaign established by the Post and RTHK – and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC). Now in its 27th consecutive year, the partnership continues to champion a variety of causes.
Held on November 9, the OSC x HKFC 5-a-side Football Tournament 2025 turned rounds of competitive sport into an occasion for inclusion, community spirit and charitable giving.
OSC is an annual fundraising initiative which has been held by the Post and public broadcaster RTHK since 1988.
OSC’s 2025 theme, “Building Bridges”, aims to foster empathy and connection across Hong Kong. This year, it is supporting 13 local charities that work with children, youth, the elderly and individuals with physical disabilities or mental health challenges.
“Sport is for all – it doesn’t matter what your ability or level, or your ethnicity, or your background or status, is. Everybody can participate,” HKFC football section chairman Mark Grainger said.
“This tournament fits nicely with our community philanthropic efforts, and Operation Santa Claus has been very close to home.”
He also emphasised the club’s inclusive vision and commitment to expanding access and opportunity, noting in particular the growing popularity of girls’ football, with nearly 350 girls now in the club’s program.