The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has granted HK$1.25 million to the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) to provide systematic training for young people and give talented young players the opportunity to further football development. Running from July to October, the Jockey Club Youth Football Scheme 2011 kicked off today (19 May) with calls for applications.
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, also attended by Jockey Club Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So, HKFA Chairman Brian Leung, Leisure and Cultural Services Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Olivia Chan and the scheme’s ambassadors, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club was delighted to support the HKFA for a second year in organising this citywide football development programme.
“The Club has long been committed to grooming the younger generation. This annual programme not only develops their sports skills, but also, more importantly, instils in our younger generation the virtues of sportsmanship, fair play, team spirit and discipline. I hope more youngsters will participate in this programme this year,” he commented.
The youth football scheme has been running for more than 30 years. It plays a crucial role in promoting and developing local football. In the past ten years alone, the scheme has benefited some 175,000 young people, some of whom have become football stars.
Hong Kong Footballer of the Year Chan Siu-ki and Hong Kong team member Yapp Hung-fai have been appointed as the scheme’s ambassadors. They will visit primary and secondary schools to demonstrate their skills and promote the scheme.
The scheme provides systematic training for young people aged 5 to 19. It is divided into four stages, including basic football skills, advanced skills training, district and citywide competitions. Limited enrolment in the scheme is now open on a first come, first served basis. For details, please refer to HKFA’s website: www.hkfa.com.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong’s best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city’s major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects. It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city’s growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.
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Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says the Club is delighted to support the HKFAa£á?s citywide football development programme which helps instil the virtues of sportsmanship and discipline in our younger generation.
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From 2nd row : Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (3rd right), Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (2nd left), HKFA Chairman Brian Leung (2nd right), Leisure and Cultural Services Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Olivia Chan (3rd left), the schemea£á?s ambassadors Chan Siu-ki (1st right) and Yapp Hung-fai (1st left) and young footballers at the ceremony.
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Officiating guests kick off the Jockey Club Youth Football Scheme 2011.
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From 2nd row : Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd right), Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (2nd left), the schemea£á?s ambassadors Chan Siu-ki (1st left) and Yapp Hung-fai (1st right).
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Potential footballers showing their skills at the ceremony.
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