Mark Swainston


Mark Francis Mercenes Swainston is a Filipino professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Crowborough Athletic and the Philippines national team.

Early life

Mark moved to Hong Kong before his first birthday. He studied in Island School along with now-professional Rory Lonergan and Barak Braunshtain.

Club career

Kitchee

He joined Kitchee in 2014 and was promoted to their senior squad in July 2016. However, in December 2016 FIFA enforced a ban on numerous foreign players in Hong Kong, including Swainston, as he did not have a Hong Kong passport, thus making him a foreign player. This ruling was eventually overturned, and Swainston made his professional debut on 7 April 2017, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute for Hélio in a 10–0 victory against HKFC.

Loan to Hoi King

On 24 July 2018, following a preseason friendly, Hoi King confirmed that they had acquired Swainston on loan.
On 25 August 2021, Swainston left Kitchee.

Eastern

On 24 November 2022, Swainston joined Eastern. Mark would make his debut in the 3-0 victory over HKFC in the Hong Kong FA Cup quarter-finals, coming on as a substitute for Leon Jones.

Move to England

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Swainston moved to England, joining Isthmian League Premier Division club Lewes before signing for Hastings United in September 2025. In December 2025, he joined fellow Isthmian League South East Division side Crowborough Athletic.

International career

Swainston made his debut for the senior Philippines national team on 26 March 2024 in a World Cup qualifier against Iraq.

Career statistics

Club

;Notes

Honours

Club

Kitchee

Kaya–Iloilo