Young elites put their best foot forward as they experience world-class training in the UK

09/10/2017

Four 11 to 15-year-old youngsters who were outstanding performers at the HKJC Soccer 4 and the HKJC Elite Youth Clinic recently attended a week-long training programme in Manchester, England. There, they had the opportunity to exchange ideas on football skills and experience a world-class football training approach, which enabled them to put their best foot forward.

The teenage elites selected to attend the Manchester training programme, namely Katie Cheng, a member of Chelsea FC Soccer School (Hong Kong), Richinn Ng of Citizen Football Club, Ted Wong of Yuen Long FC U15, and Leo Mak of South China Football Team U15, visited the Manchester United training field; received football training tips from Nicky Butt, Head of Manchester United Academy; and experienced physical training conducted by the Manchester United team.

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  The young elites seek advice and tips from Nicky Butt, Head of Manchester United Academy.

Seeking Butt’s advice while experiencing systematic world-class training

To deepen their understanding of Manchester United’s youth training system, the four young footballers had the chance to converse with Nicky Butt, Head of Manchester United Academy at the Manchester United Training Centre. The former Manchester United star expressed his views on ways to improve football skills and physical performance. The young elites then underwent a physical test through which they were able to experience how a scientific and professional training system offers a more accurate assessment of their abilities and physiques.  Ted revealed that the training facilities in the UK were eye-opening. “From the quality of the grass pitches to their training facilities, the hardware and training approach in England are so detail-oriented and professional. These eye-opening experiences have taught me that there are ‘mountains beyond mountains’,” said Ted.

Football skills exchange and contests with local youngsters

During the training programme, the four young footballers took part in a number of friendly matches, and swapped notes on football skills with local youngsters. They demonstrated good skills and positive attitudes in the matches. Two younger female footballers, Katie Cheng and Richinn Ng, never put themselves in disadvantageous positions as they competed with older footballers during the friendly matches. Instead, they quickly picked up the tricks of the trade. Katie expressed that the training programme has enabled her to realise her shortcomings. “I found myself lagging behind the British teens in terms of strength and physique. They can often make quick and correct decisions on the football field. These are the great lessons for us to learn,” said Katie.

Although the week-long training programme has ended, the young elites continue giving their best performances while exploring ways for self-improvement with positive and open minds. “The training programme has given me more courage and confidence, enabling me to be brave enough to communicate with footballers from different parts of the world and to establish a close bond within my team,” said Leo, who also expressed that he will give back by sharing his training experience with his teammates and helping them progress together as a team.

The training programme has enriched the skills and mindsets of all of the players. It is believed that their teams and teammates will also benefit from their takeaways, as the players continue to make progress, apply what they have learnt, and put their best foot forward.