The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“the Club”) announced today (10 July) the return of the JC Youth Football Academy Summit (“the Summit”). Taking place next month, from 5 to 12 August, the Manchester United Academy U16 squad will be in Hong Kong for a week-long cultural and football exchange programme. The highlight of the Summit will be two friendly matches between local young players and the visiting team.

The two matches are scheduled to take place on 9 and 11 August at Mong Kok Stadium. The first match will feature Manchester United Academy U16 versus Premier Youth League Select, while the second match will be between the visitors and the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team. As current holder of the FA Cup, Manchester United is proudly bringing the FA Cup trophy to Hong Kong for the first time. The trophy will go on display at the stadium, where there will also be a variety of game booths and activities on the match days for the public to enjoy.

What will truly excite local football fans is the presence of Manchester United legends John O’Shea and Dimitar Berbatov. Both former players will join the Summit and make an appearance at the respective friendly matches. Admission to the matches will be free. Ticket registration opens at 10am on 15 July (Monday) online at hkjc.com/withyou. Please refer to the factsheet for details.  

Organised by the Club, the Summit promises to be a rewarding experience for both the Manchester United Academy U16 and two local youth teams. The week-long programme includes a visit to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Tuen Mun Public Riding School, a dragon boat experience, a series of training sessions and community service opportunities.

The Club’s Executive Director, Membership, Brand, Marketing and Experience, Anthony Ingham said: “The Hong Kong Jockey Club has long been committed to football development and youth development through football. The Summit is a collaboration between the Club, Manchester United and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, reflecting a shared belief that widening the horizons of young people is essential to their all-round development. Through a series of ‘Play Together’, ‘Learn Together’ and ‘Train Together’ activities, it provides a platform for all the young players to develop their physical, mental and social capabilities, and unleash their potential.”

Manchester United's Director of Academy Nick Cox said: “The Summit in Hong Kong is always one of our most exciting and rewarding overseas trips of the year. The opportunities that players and staff are able to enjoy throughout the Summit are fantastic. The variety of games, training sessions, fan engagements and cultural experiences that are scheduled will stand our young players in great stead for the future; both on and off the football pitch.” He added, “We continue to be extremely grateful to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for their support in helping the Academy to create such a unique and special experience.”

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China’s Director, Ivan Wong said: “We are pleased to see this valuable opportunity for football and cultural exchange and believes that Hong Kong's young players to gain precious experience in the friendly matches and prepare themselves for the future. The matches are also expected to attract many spectators, citizens can experience the atmosphere of the games, which can enhance the development of Hong Kong's football events in the long term.”

As a staunch supporter of football development in Hong Kong, the Club collaborates with professional bodies and community partners to enhance the physical, mental and social capabilities of young people. The Club has worked as a Hong Kong Community Football Partner of Manchester United since 2012, launching various programmes to support youth development at school, community and elite levels. In terms of infrastructure, the Club has supported the construction of the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre and the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre as homes for major football games.

Attachment: Details of the JC Youth Football Academy Summit friendly matches

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club and non-profit organisation with a remit to act continuously for the betterment of society. It 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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2022/23, the Club returned a total of HK$35.9 billion to the community. This included HK$28.6 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$7.3 billion in approved charity donations.  The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s top 10 charity donors.