Manchester United (MU) football legend Ronny Johnsen today (23 June) visited Bethel High School, one of the local secondary schools participating in the Jockey Club School Football Development Scheme 2015/16. During the visit, Ronny Johnsen, one of the greatest MU players, who achieved the famous Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup winning treble in 1999, shared his wisdom on how to be a great defender and joined the school team for a practice match.
Under the Jockey Club School Football Development Scheme 2015/16, a collaboration between the Club and MU, the Head Coach of Manchester United Soccer School (MUSS) in Hong Kong Christopher O’Brien is paying regular visits to 17 participating secondary and primary schools to offer guidance and support to their football teams. Bringing international training theory and methods to the city, the scheme aims to raise the standard of local youth football.
The Jockey Club School Football Development Scheme was launched in collaboration with MU in November 2013. Ronny Johnsen is one of several MU legends who have visited secondary schools participating in the Scheme over the years. These include “Mr Dependable” Denis Irwin, “Captain Marvel” Bryan Robson, Phil Neville and goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel.
The Club is a long-time supporter of local football development. Since 2012 it has collaborated with Manchester United on a number of programmes designed to develop the physical, mental and social capabilities of young people, which include the JC Elite Youth Football Camp, the JC School Football Development Scheme, the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme and JC Youth Football Fitness Assessment. The Club also supports the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Scheme, whose summer scheme is the largest such programme in Hong Kong. Last year, the Club announced a HK$120 million donation to support the Jockey Club HKFA 5-Year Football Development Programme, which aims to promote football across the community, including futsal and women’s football. In terms of infrastructure, the Club has supported the construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre and the rebuilding of Hong Kong Stadium as a home for Hong Kong’s major domestic and international football games.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2014/15, its donations reached a record HK$3.87 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,300 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$20.05 billion in 2014/15. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,000 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.
|
MU football legend Ronny Johnsen (3rd from left) today (23 June) visited Bethel High School, encouraging coaches and students to keep putting their best foot forward.
|
Photo 2, 3, 4: Ronny Johnsen plays mini football with teachers and students at Bethel High School.
|
|
|
|
|
MU legend Ronny Johnsen (right) presents a souvenir to representatives from Bethel High School.
|
Photo 6, 7: Group photo
|
|
|
