Long Hin the American Football Enthusiast
Discovers Joy in the Midst of Collision
American football, one of the four major sports in North America, has garnered immense popularity not only in the United States but also among enthusiasts worldwide. Among these enthusiasts is Wong Long Hin, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Sports and eSports Management at Hong Kong Metropolitan University. Fascinated by the sport over three years ago, Wong’s passion remains undeterred despite injuries and opposition from his family. Currently a member of the local amateur American football team, the Hong Kong Warhawks, he aspires to draw more attention to the sport through competitions and share the joy of it with his fellow students at the university.
Wong Long Hin, a tall and athletic individual, stands in stark contrast to the “hulking” appearance of American football players seen on television. He remarks, “I was initially drawn to them and found American football stylish and powerful. Only after getting involved in the sport did I realise it also emphasises speed, strategy, and intelligence.” As a defensive cornerback, Wong’s role involves intercepting opposing players, attempting to break through the defence, and preventing them from scoring. This position requires both speed and agility and a deep understanding of the game’s dynamics.
One of Wong’s most memorable experiences was participating in a friendly match in Japan, where he faced an offensive player who had previously played in the NCAA Division I league in the United States. Despite the evident gap in their abilities, Wong may not have defeated the giant Goliath like David, but he gained invaluable experience from the game, further fueling his passion for the world of American football.
Surprisingly, Wong discovered that the accumulated experience from his sports endeavours has also benefited his academic pursuits. “One of the courses I am taking is ‘Athlete Development,’ which uses case studies from the NFL to analyse how different methods can motivate players to enhance their psychological qualities and performance. I felt a strong resonance when I read about these topics,” Wong explains. He further emphasises the unique positioning of the course, combining elements of both sports and esports, which are his areas of interest. Hong Kong Metropolitan University is the only institution offering such a curriculum. Wong adds, “The course also includes overseas exchanges, where students get the opportunity to visit football clubs and attend classes at football academies in Spain or the United Kingdom, sparking my interest in the operational management of football clubs.”
When it comes to his life as a student at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Wong describes a vibrant learning atmosphere, with students actively participating in class discussions. He particularly enjoys collaborating with his classmates on group research projects, leveraging the spirit of teamwork he's developed through his American football training. Wong always assumes the role of a leader, guiding his team members to deliver outstanding work. In addition to the favourable learning environment, Wong praised HKMU for its diverse extracurricular activities, making campus life colourful and multifaceted.
Looking ahead, Wong plans to continue balancing his studies, training, and competitions, savouring the enjoyment of American football and introducing it to his fellow students. After graduation, he aspires to join the disciplined forces and serve as a fire captain, utilising his leadership abilities to lead and guide teams while serving the community.
Wong Long Hin
