The JC Youth Football Academy Summit, organised by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, commenced with the arrival of 24 Manchester United Academy U16 squad members on Sunday (10 August). The visiting youngsters will participate in a week-long cultural and football exchange programme with local Hong Kong players.

As part of the visit, the team will play two friendly matches – the first against the Premier Youth League Select team on 15 August, followed by the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team on 17 August. Both matches will take place at Mong Kok Stadium.

Ahead of the opening match, the Manchester United Academy U16 team took part in joint training sessions yesterday and today (12-13 August) at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, first with the Premier Youth League Select team and then with the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative team. Under the guidance of coaches from Manchester United’s youth academy, the players engaged in group drills to prepare for the friendly matches. Manchester United legend Phil Jones was also present today, to show support and offer encouragement.

Beyond football, the summit is offering cultural immersion and visits to Club facilities. The Manchester United Academy U16 team visited The Hong Kong Jockey Club Apprentice Jockeys’ School and Racing Talent Training Centre on 11 August. There, they joined a tour of the stables, observed horse grooming, tried out the riding simulator and were given an opportunity to interact with horses.

Yesterday, the young athletes enjoyed a Dragon Boat Experience Day, deepening their understanding of Chinese culture through hands-on experience, while developing their teamwork and communication skills.

The Club continues to play a leading role in nurturing local football talent through the JC Youth Football Academy Summit. The summit is a collaboration launched in 2017 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 Tung Wah Group of Hospitals assisting in the operation of this year’s programme. Reflecting a shared commitment to holistic youth development, the summit offers a series of “Play Together”, “Learn Together” and “Train Together” activities that help the young players build their physical, mental and social capabilities, while broadening their horizons and unleashing their potential.

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.