A defining moment for Timothy Chow, a graduate of Diocesan Boys’ School, came during a difficult period in 2023 when a severe ankle injury sidelined him just before the Hangzhou Asian Games.
“During rehabilitation, I was at my lowest,” recalled Chow, 19.
But everything changed when he met two young refugees from Pakistan. Their struggles far outweighed his own, and their resilience left a lasting impression. That encounter helped Chow learn that football could be a force for unity and for uplifting others.
“I saw how strong the power of football was and how much it impacted their lives,” he said. That moment sparked his mission to drive change through the game.
As a community ambassador for “Sports For Life” summer camps and a key figure in All Blacks FC – a club that champions inclusion and belonging – Chow faced the challenge of creating a free, empowering space for refugee youth.
In contrast to the “win-at-all-costs” culture he grew up in, Chow found himself surrounded by kids who were simply grateful to have a ball at their feet and a team to belong to: “The biggest transition was realising they were so grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team,” he said.
That realisation shifted his mindset from professional athlete to patient mentor, teaching him to celebrate every small victory.
Coaching diverse groups with varying skill levels and behaviours tested his patience, especially given the children’s often chaotic backgrounds and traumatic memories. Initially, Chow judged their unruliness.
But over time, he came to understand their unique circumstances. “You have to show them care and love,” he said.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions, Chow was named Sportsperson of the Year at the Student of the Year Awards 2024/25, organised by South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Despite his setback in 2023, Chow’s athletic career has flourished.
As the youngest player at the Hangzhou Asian Games and a member of the Hong Kong Premier League All Star XI against Inter Miami, he has gained invaluable experience.
He dreams of playing football at the highest level – potentially in the United States, where he is a first-year student at Amherst College – while continuing to represent Hong Kong.
Looking ahead, Chow’s aspirations blend personal ambition with community impact. He hopes to continue using football to offer a sense of belonging to those who need it most. “I really think football has the power to change someone’s life,” he said.
One moment he will always remember is when a Pakistani refugee previously entangled in gang activity found a new path through football.
Watching the boy shift from violence to passion reinforced Chow’s belief in football’s transformative power.
“We gave him a platform to be in a community,” he shared.
