For the second consecutive year, the under-16 squad from Manchester United Academy are in Hong Kong to attend the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, which is being held from 12 to 19 August 2018. The visiting squad, comprised of over 30 members, arrived yesterday to participate in the week-long cultural and football exchange programme with Hong Kong’s elite youth players. The programme provides the young players with a platform to excel through a series of "Play Together", "Learn Together" and "Train Together" activities.

There will also be a friendly game and a mini tournament with the HKFA Academy U17, the Hong Kong District All Stars team as well as the Guangdong U17 team, who are new to this year’s Summit. The games are being held at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground on the evenings of 14 and 17 August.

The visiting squad will participate in various cultural activities throughout their stay, including traditional Chinese action sports, dragon boat and community service. They will also visit the heritage revitalisation project, Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, and the Peak.

For the second year running, Head of the Manchester United Academy Nicky Butt will join the Summit to meet families who took part earlier in the Pass It On Parent’s Workshop. He will also accompany the visiting squad to a local primary school in Tin Shui Wai.

The Summit is collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United and the HKFA, reflecting a shared belief that widening the horizons of young people is essential to their all-round development. It will provide a platform for the young players to learn new footballing skills, as well as help develop their physical, mental and social capabilities, through a series of “Play Together”, “Learn Together” and “Train Together” activities.

The Club has been a long-time supporter of local football development. In particular, it has collaborated with Manchester United since 2012 on a number of programmes designed to develop the physical, mental and social capabilities of young people. These include the JC Elite Youth Football Camp, the JC School Football Development Scheme, the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme, the JC Youth Football Fitness Assessment, the JC Youth Soccer Skills Challenge and the JC Youth Football Academy Summit. The Club also supports the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Scheme, whose summer scheme is the largest such programme in Hong Kong. In 2015, the Club announced a HK$120 million donation to support the Jockey Club HKFA 5-Year Football Development Programme, which is aimed at promoting football across the community, including futsal and women’s football. In terms of infrastructure, the Club has supported the construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre and the rebuilding of Hong Kong Stadium as a home for Hong Kong’s major domestic and international football games.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.