More than 9,500 budding football players today (27 October) celebrated their graduation from the four-month Summer Scheme of the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Programme, funded by a HK$12 million donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and run by the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA).
The Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined HKFA Chairman Brian Leung, Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe and Leisure and Cultural Services Department Chief Leisure Manager (Sports Development) Joan Mak to officiate at the closing ceremony of the Summer Scheme at Kwai Chung Sports Ground.
The Club aims to enhance the quality of life of Hong Kong people through our tax and charities contribution. In the last financial year alone, the Club’s tax contributions exceeded HK$17 billion, including some HK$4.2 billion from the football betting revenue. Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said as part of the Club’s support to local sport development, the Club’s Charities Trust had donated some HK$170 million to local football development over the past few years.
This year’s Summer Scheme also marked the success of promoting female participation in football, drawing 332 passionate girls, a year-on-year increase of 22%. In July, more than 9,500 youngsters, aged 5 to 19, embarked on basic skill training, with some 8,800 going on to receive advanced skill drills. Around 4,300 young players were selected to join intra-district competitions, and some 1,100 of them went on to compete in inter-regional competitions.
To further groom the talented players, some of the Summer Scheme graduates will receive year-round drills under the Training Scheme of the three-year Youth Football Development Programme, funded by the Trust since last year. The most promising players of the Training Scheme will be selected to join the two-week Jockey Club Elite Youth Football Camp, and the two best players from the Camp will have the chance to go for a one-week training programme at the Manchester United Soccer School in England. For details, please refer to the Club's website 203.215.253.53/youthfootball and HKFA's website http://www.hkfa.com/.
The Jockey Club has been a staunch supporter of local football over the years, with major donations including the Jockey Club Elite Youth Football Camp in collaboration with Manchester United, the Hong Kong Games and its Futsal competition, and the construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre in Shek Mun. The Club has also committed a funding of HK$20 million for carrying out the feasibility study and the master plan of football and other facilities in Tseung Kwan O.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says as part of the Cluba£į?s support to local sport development, the Cluba£į?s Charities Trust donated some HK$170 million to local football development over the past few years.
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The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd right) joins Hong Kong Football Association Chairman Brian Leung (3rd right), Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe (2nd left), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Chief Leisure Manager (Sports Development) Joan Mak (3rd left) as well as Football Ambassadors Yip Tsz-chun (1st left) and Chan Pak-hang (1st right) to officiate at the closing ceremony of the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Programme a£į”§ Summer Scheme 2013.
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Group photo.
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The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges encourages a young graduate of the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Programme a£į”§ Summer Scheme 2013.
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