The JC Youth Football Academy Summit, organised by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, got underway on Monday (5 August) with the arrival of 21 Manchester United Academy U16 squad members for a week-long cultural and football exchange programme with young local football players running until 12 August.

During their visit, the squad will play two friendly matches against Premier Youth League Select and the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team at Mong Kok Stadium on 9 and 11 August, respectively. As a prelude to the first match, both teams joined a training session today (7 August) at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre. Led by coaches from Manchester United’s youth academy, players were divided into groups for practice. Manchester United legend John O’Shea also attended to show his support and offer encouragement.

Besides football training, the Summit also provides the youngsters with opportunities to take part in various cultural activities, such as experiencing dragon boating, dragon dancing and nunchaku, as well as community service. The Manchester United Academy U16 squad visited The Hong Kong Jockey Club Tuen Mun Public Riding School yesterday (6 August) for a tour of its stables and facilities as well as an equestrian demonstration, to learn about the Club’s contributions to equestrian development.

The Club has been a long-time supporter of local football development. The Summit is a collaboration between the Club, Manchester United and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, launched in 2017. It reflects 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.

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.