The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at the 10th JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme graduation ceremony today (15 June) the names of six outstanding young leaders who will travel to Manchester, England to participate in a series of activities organised by the Manchester United and its Foundation to learn about the local football culture and engage in community football services .

The scheme, organised by the Club in collaboration with Manchester United and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), supported by funding from the Club’s Charities Trust for programme operation this year, was completed by 53 youngsters aged between 15 and 19. The six-month programme, comprising activities including football event organisation training, star mentor workshops, personal challenge and community football activities, helps young people to develop leadership potential and contributes to the betterment of our society.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said that as a world-class sports organisation, the Club is strongly committed to supporting sports development in schools, the community and at the elite level. The Club actively seeks opportunities, such as the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme and a series of activities in collaboration with Manchester United, to strengthen connectivity between East and West for youngsters’ benefit. He congratulated the graduates and said he believed the scheme has helped young people seize opportunities and develop physically, mentally and socially.

During the ceremony, held at Happy Valley Racecourse, the Club’s CEO presented each of the six outstanding leaders with a Certificate of Merit. Selected on the basis of their outstanding attitude and performance, they will participate in the football-cultural exchange tour to Manchester in August. Four other leaders were presented with a  Most Improved Award by TWGHs’ 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee, Jason Lee.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson, one of the most influential footballers of the 1980s and 1990s, nicknamed “Captain Marvel” for his performances with both England and Manchester United, witnessed the young leaders’ graduation. He shared tips on good leadership and experiences from his Manchester United career, which spanned 13 seasons.

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. More than 480 youngsters have participated in the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme since 2014. Notably, 48 outstanding young leaders have had the opportunity to visit Manchester.

Over the years, the Club has promoted sports at both the community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy sports. Funded by the Club in partnership with the Government, the Hong Kong Sports Institute was established in 1982 (initially named Jubilee Sports Centre) as a training base for elite local athletes. In 2021, the Club pledged HK$150 million to match the HKSAR Government’s HK$150 million grant for the Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme.

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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 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 leading charity donors.