The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced today (10 July) the return of the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, which will take place from 11 to 18 August. During the summit, the Manchester United Academy U16 squad will be in Hong Kong to participate in a week-long cultural and football exchange programme with young local players, including two friendly matches.

The two matches are scheduled to take place on 15 and 17 August at Mong Kok Stadium. The first match will feature the Manchester United Academy U16 squad versus a Premier Youth League Select Team, while the second match will be between the visitors and the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team. Admission to the matches is free. Ticket registration opens at 10am on 14 July (Monday) online at hkjc.com/withyou. There will also be a variety of activities and performances on match days for the public to enjoy.

During the summit, which is one of the Club’s 140th anniversary celebratory activities, former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and former defender Phil Jones will visit Hong Kong and join some of the activities. The team legends will each make an appearance at one of the friendly matches.

Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said that the Club, a world-class sports and charity organisation, has promoted sports at both the community and elite levels through numerous initiatives. Through collaboration with professional bodies and community partners, the Club aims to develop youngsters’ physical, mental and social capabilities and unleash their potential. He added that the summit provides opportunities for young players to strengthen the connectivity between East and West through its varied activities and experiences.  

The summit is a collaboration between the Club, Manchester United and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China. It is supported by funding from the Club’s Charities Trust, with this year’s programme being operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. The week-long programme includes a visit to the Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as a dragon boat experience and a series of training sessions and community service opportunity.

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 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.