​In response to a media report alleging that the total number of 5-a-side and 7-a-side soccer pitches provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is 60 more than the 247 proposed in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG), a spokesman of the LCSD today (January 28) clarified as follows:

     At present, the LCSD provides a total of 235 such soccer pitches, slightly falling short of the proposal of the HKPSG. It is believed that as some of the hard-surface soccer pitches are suitable for both 5-a-side and 7-a-side soccer, the media concerned may have mistakenly double counted a hard-surface soccer pitch into one 5-a-side pitch and one 7-a-side pitch, making the total number of pitches mentioned in the media report more than the actual number.

     Regarding the usage of hard-surface soccer pitches, the demand for advance booking of such facilities from both individuals and organisations is keen, especially during the peak hours. The Government will continue to provide 5-a-side soccer pitches in accordance with the actual situation so as to meet the demand from members of the public for such facilities. 

     When there are no football activities, the LCSD will open these venues to members of the public for other activities, such as Tai Chi, badminton, shuttlecock, etc. Besides, applications for use of hard-surface pitches for non-designated activities may also be considered on individual merits. Meanwhile, in order to promote different kinds of sports, 11 hard-surface soccer pitches are now open for playing cricket.

Ends/Saturday, January 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:40

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