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Manchester United Academy U16 squad wraps up Hong Kong visit   Summit has widened the horizons of young participants

08/18/2018

The 2nd Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, a collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United and the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA), came to a successful close today (18 August). The week-long Summit saw the visiting squad and local elite youth players participate in a cultural and football exchange. New to this year’s Summit was the Guangdong U17 team, who participated in a mini tournament with the other teams.  

The Summit provides a platform for the elite youth players to learn new footballing skills, and also helps develop their physical, mental and social capabilities, by allowing them to "Play Together", "Learn Together" and "Train Together".

Highlights of the week included a friendly match and a mini tournament with the HKFA Academy U17 team, the Hong Kong District All-Stars team and the Guangdong U17 team. The two games attracted more than 3,100 spectators, and the visiting squad took home the trophy in the mini tournament.

The Hong Kong District All-Stars team and HKFA Academy U17 team also seized the opportunity to train with the Manchester United Academy players and experience their world renowned football training methods.

For the second year running, former Manchester United player, Head of the Manchester United Academy Nicky Butt joined the Summit to meet families who took part earlier in the Pass It On Parent’s Workshop. He also accompanied the visiting squad to a local primary school in Tin Shui Wai to organise a community service day for hundreds of local students.

Meanwhile, sharing sessions were held for local coaches from18 districts. There was also a seminar by MU Academy’s psychologist on how to apply sports psychology to football training for young footballers, so that they can put their best foot forward.

The visiting squad also participated in various cultural activities throughout the week, including sightseeing tours to Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, The Peak as well as a Hong Kong harbour cruise on a junk boat. They also had a chance to learn nunchucks and dragon dance from former martial art World Champion Marvel Chow and experienced dragon boating in Tai Tam with their local counterparts. These activities helped strengthen their appreciation of each other’s cultures and their respect for diversity.

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.


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Guests pose for a photo with the winning team, Manchester United Academy U16 squad, after the mini tournament. (17 August)


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The Manchester United Academy U16 squad, HKFA Academy U17 team, Hong Kong District All Stars team and the Guangdong U17 team play in a mini tournament at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground. (17 August)


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Club Executive Director, Corporate Planning, Branding and Membership Scarlette Leung (front row, 3rd right) and Commissioner for Sports Yeung Tak-keung (front row, 2nd left) present the Man of the Match Award to Shola (front row, 3rd left). (17 August)


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Head of Manchester United Academy Nicky Butt meets families who took part earlier in the Pass It On Parent’s Workshop. (17 August)


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Head of Manchester United Academy Nicky Butt accompanies the Manchester United Academy U16 team to a local primary school in Tin Shui Wai to organise a community service day for local students. (18 August)


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The Manchester United Academy U16 team on a sightseeing tour to Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts in Central, to understand the history and culture of Hong Kong. (15 August)


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The Manchester United Academy U16 team dragon boating in Tai Tam. (15 August)


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The Manchester United Academy U16 team and their local counterparts participate in various cultural activities throughout the week, including a few sightseeing tours.


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