Football has long been a common interest of many Hactl staff, dating back to the Kai Tak Airport era. Competitions and practices were constantly organised by staff who pursued the pastime. Today, football has become a vital element connecting colleagues, and stakeholders from the industry and airport community. With the company’s continuing support, Hactl Football Club (Hactl FC) has evolved and grown over the years. The team even bagged the third place in the hard-fought 2024-2025 Hong Kong Air Cargo & Logistics Football Tournament – the largest of its kind organised amongst the air cargo and logistics community in Hong Kong – showcasing outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship beyond the cargo terminal.
Today, Hactl FC comprises 25 team members from frontline and other departments, and includes seasoned players and newly joined staff. Not only does the team have its own branded logo printed on dedicated jerseys, it also has hundreds of enthusiastic fans supporting them at every game, among them is Hactl Chief Executive Wilson Kwong.
Hactl Executive Director – People and Culture Jason Lee, Hacis Senior Supervisor Lip Chor Wan (Siu Wan) and Senior IT Analyst of Information Services Jackie Cheng, each play different roles in the team. Let us hear the story of Hactl football as they’ve experienced it.
Devoted goalkeeper for 30 years
Lip Chor Wan, also known as Siu Wan, is a key team member of Hactl FC. He joined the company’s Operations team in 1987: “It was 1993 when I found out that colleagues in the terminal had organised our own football team, with a coach leading regular practices. That was such good news to a football enthusiast like me! The team practiced every Tuesday morning. If my shift allowed, I would join them, and I have done so ever since.” Siu Wan also recalls the marvellous teamwork of Hactl FC and he was unanimously selected by his teammates as the goalkeeper. “I’ve never thought that I would be the goalkeeper for over 30 years!”
Unlike most football players who are fascinated by being forwards, Siu Wan enjoys being the goalkeeper. “Goalkeeping is a lot of fun! It is extremely satisfying every time I make a save in a match. If a teammate accidently slips and gives the opponent a chance, the team relies on me to make a save. Successfully stopping a goal is truly rewarding.”
When asked about his most unforgettable moment, it is surprisingly not about a goal saved, but rather a goal he scored. “In that match (Airport Community Football Cup 2019), we went to extra time after a 1-1 draw, and eventually it led to a penalty shoot-out. In the last ‘sudden death’ round, I was able to save the opponent’s shot. Then it was my turn to take the final shot. I was very nervous, but I did it and led our team to win the championship!” He recalls the excitement and anxiety of the moment: “Many colleagues were there cheering for the team, and even Wilson and Jason were present, witnessing this memorable moment and celebrating with us!”
“The most enjoyable moments aren’t just about the match itself, but when the whole team goes for dinner and chats after a game or practice.”
“A football match is a lot of fun. Whether we win or lose, sharing the same goal among teammates is what matters most.” Siu Wan even jokes: “That is the reason I keep coming to work.” Other than these passionate moments, Siu Wan also sees football as a catalyst for building friendship among colleagues. “The most enjoyable moments aren’t just about the match itself, but when the whole team goes for dinner and chats after a game or practice.”
Back at the terminal, Hactl FC members work across various departments and roles. But with the strong bonds formed within Hactl FC, collaboration in the workplace feels seamless. Whenever they cross paths at the terminal, their greeting is often, “When are we playing football again?”. They are more than colleagues; they share a unique camaraderie forged through shared challenges both on the field and at work.
Unexpectedly living the “football dream”
Hactl FC boasts a blend of seasoned players and fresh talents, with Jackie being one of the latter, having joined the company’s Information Services team in 2024. Shortly after his arrival, he spotted a notice about Hactl’s football team practice sessions and decided to try his hand. This led to his involvement in competitions as a member of Hactl FC. At work, Jackie is responsible for developing IT solutions for Hactl’s warehouse operations; on the football field, he plays as striker and winger.
During the 2024–2025 Hong Kong Air Cargo & Logistics Football Tournament, Jackie participated in most matches, and the memories of each are still vivid. “Our captain was accidentally injured in the first match and had to withdraw from the second game, which led to a low morale within the team. However, we rallied around, performed exceptionally well and won! After the match, we were all eager to know how our captain was doing. It was so heartwarming.”
Jackie also vividly recalls the unforgettable moment during the semi-final of JSA Kam Cheung Fai Mini-soccer Tournament 2024: “It was pouring rain, but we didn’t back down and gave it our all. We made several crucial saves and won the match 5:0. My blood still boils every time I rewatch the video of the match!”
Never had Jackie ever imagined Hactl could have its own football team nor how fulfilling it would be after picking up his interest again. “It is a good opportunity for me to meet colleagues from different departments. As such, I could familiarise myself with Hactl’s operations more easily. But then, we are not all about business; we chat and go over the games, allowing me to fit in the company quickly.”
“The company’s support for Hactl FC is incredible. It assists us in booking the football pitch, arranging matches, and even providing us with free shuttle transportation to competition venues. It feels like having a manager taking care of us, and I feel like a professional footballer!” he chuckles.
Jackie believes that every football enthusiast has dreamt of becoming a professional football player, wearing the jersey and running on the pitch. Today he has realised his dream at Hactl. “It is the team spirit and enthusiasm that I value the most as a part of Hactl FC. We practise and fight hard on the field every minute.” He may not be able to realise his football dream in a stadium filled with thousands of fans, but his dream has quietly come to life through the cheers and sweat, and unwavering support of his colleagues.
“It is a good opportunity for me to meet colleagues from different departments. As such, I could familiarise myself with Hactl’s operations more easily.”
Backstage Manager joins the celebration
One of the factors of Hactl FC’s success is undoubtedly the company’s unprecedented support for the team, and the pivotal role played by Jason Lee, Hactl Executive Director — People and Culture and Manager of Hactl FC. He is a true football enthusiast and joined Hactl FC shortly after joining the company. Although he rarely plays in regular matches, one can never miss his presence in the audience—each and every time.
As the Manager of Hactl FC, Jason is responsible for supporting the team through various ways to ensure the seamless organisation of team practices and competitions. While team members actively participate in logistical arrangements and administrative tasks, the People and Culture team provides essential support, including booking the football pitch, registering for competitions, arranging free shuttle services, sourcing different material supplies, facilitating roster management, and more. He tells us: “This is actually all initiated by our keen staff, and the company simply provides assistance wherever we can. We hope to create a more professional image for the team, so we gathered feedback from them for designing dedicated jerseys and a team logo.”
Hactl’s mascots—“The Best Team”—serves as the foundation of Hactl FC’s logo design. At the heart of this design is Mr. Cargo, the owl, representing the company’s core value of teamwork.
Jason strongly believes that football is not just a sport, but a bridge that fosters relationships and interaction among colleagues. “While there are supervisors and junior staff in the football team, we are all teammates at the pitch—equal and supporting each other. This in turn facilitates communication and collaboration at work, even enhancing efficiency at times.”
He adds that it is worthwhile for him to sit alongside the pitch and play a supportive role, as it allows him to hear more about the inner voices of the staff. “Being around them in a more relaxed setting enables me to gain a better understanding of the frontline staff’s daily work and allows me to reflect on how, in my role, I can better support them and make improvements.”
“Being around them in a more relaxed setting enables me to gain a better understanding of the frontline staff’s daily work and allows me to reflect on how, in my role, I can better support them and make improvements.”
At Hactl, Siu Wan, Jackie and Jason showcase their skills and knowledge in their own professions. At the pitch, they unite as a team, displaying team spirit and vitality.
When asked about the future development of Hactl FC, they all express a strong desire for more football games. Whether representing Hactl in tournaments, playing friendly matches, or simply cheering for the team, they aim to spread the positive spirit of Hactl FC throughout every corner of the company. “Hactl FC has no KPI to meet, the company supports us regardless of our performance in competitions. We hope to provide as much support as we can and offer every teammate and staff member an enjoyable sporting experience at Hactl,” Jason concludes.