The JC Youth Football Academy Summit concluded successfully today (17 August) following a week of football and cultural exchange activities during which visiting players from the Manchester United Academy U16 team and local youth players gained valuable experience and insights.
Before departing Hong Kong today, the Manchester United Academy U16 team joined players from the Hong Kong Premier Youth League U18 Champions – Kitchee – and the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team in a community service activity, giving back to society through football. Manchester United legend and former captain Antonio Valencia also took part, sharing football skills and experiences with more than 100 local primary school students.
A highlight of the summit was two friendly matches. The second match took place last night (16 August) at Mong Kok Stadium, with the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team taking on the Manchester United Academy U16 team. Guests in attendance at the match included Belinda Wong, Deputy Director Home Affairs of the HKSAR Government; Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Casper Stylsvig, Freely Cheng, Head of External Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Cora Ho, Executive Manager, Charities (Sports) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; David Vincent, Manchester United Partnership Director; Jennifer Yeung, 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals; and Stephen Yau, Chairman, Board of Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China.
Both teams demonstrated great determination and skill, treating more than 4,400 fans to an exciting contest. The match went into a penalty shootout after 90 minutes with the score tied at 2-2. Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team won with a final scoreline of 7-6. In a historic first for the summit, local teams won both friendly matches this year. Fans attending the match also had the opportunity to meet Valencia and enjoy a range of activities at booths hosted by Manchester United and the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team in the stadium.
The summit is a collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China. It is supported with funding from the Club’s Charities Trust, with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals operating the programme. During their visit to Hong Kong, the Manchester United Academy U16 team members joined young local players in a series of football and cultural exchange activities, including a visit to the Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School as well as a dragon boat experience, training sessions and community service.
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.
