Eastern FC Launches Women's Team for Hong Kong Third Division, Former Chinese Import Gu Bin Retires to Become Head Coach
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Eastern Football Club, one of Hong Kong's most storied football institutions, announced on Thursday the creation of a women's football team that will compete in the Hong Kong Women's Third Division from next season. The club held its official launch press conference at its headquarters, attended by Eastern Football Club Chairman Cheng Kai-ming, Chief Consultant Yau Wing-keung, and HKFA Chairman Fuk Ching-shan. The move represents a significant expansion for the club, which has historically focused on men's football, and signals a growing institutional commitment to women's football in Hong Kong .
Key Points
- Former Eastern men's player Gu Bin (顧斌), 34, has officially retired and been appointed head coach of the new women's team, having previously played for Eastern in 2025 and Eastern District last season
- The coaching staff includes Technical Advisor Leung Kun-chung, Goalkeeper Coach Chung Hoi-man, U15 Coach Leung Sing-yiu, and Youth Team Coach Choi Man-ho
- Team captain Chen Diwen (陳荻雯) currently plays for Citizen in the First Division and has represented Hong Kong in women's futsal competitions
- Eastern Chief Consultant Yau Wing-keung stated the team will aim for a mid-to-upper table position this season, adopting a gradual development approach
- HKFA Chairman Fuk Ching-shan praised Eastern for injecting new momentum into Hong Kong women's football and creating a quality platform for female players to develop professionally
Why It Matters
This development reflects a broader trend of established Hong Kong men's football clubs investing in women's football, following examples like the major sponsorship of Hong Kong Women's League teams by companies such as Jianlibao. Eastern's entry brings additional institutional credibility and resources to the women's game, potentially attracting more participants and spectators. For Hong Kong's female footballers, the creation of another professional pathway through a high-profile club like Eastern could accelerate the growth and visibility of the sport at a critical juncture in its development .
This development reflects a broader trend of established Hong Kong men's football clubs investing in women's football, following examples like the major sponsorship of Hong Kong Women's League teams by companies such as Jianlibao. Eastern's entry brings additional institutional credibility and resources to the women's game, potentially attracting more participants and spectators. For Hong Kong's female footballers, the creation of another professional pathway through a high-profile club like Eastern could accelerate the growth and visibility of the sport at a critical juncture in its development .