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Manchester United Academy U16 squad in Hong Kong for Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit

08/15/2017

The under-16 squad from Manchester United Academy is in town to participate in the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, a week-long cultural and football exchange programme with Hong Kong’s elite youth players.

The Summit is a new collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United and the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA), reflecting a shared belief that widening the horizons of young people is essential to their all-round development. It is one of a series of programmes that the Club has co-developed with Manchester United under a wide-reaching initiative designed to help develop the physical, mental, and social capabilities of young people through football.

During the Summit, the visiting squad will take part in football and other training sessions, play friendly matches, and experience local culture in “Asia’s World City.” Head of the Academy Nicky Butt and his coaching team will also conduct seminar and technical sessions for the local coaches.

Two friendly games with the Hong Kong District All-Stars and the HKFA Academy U17 will be held at Tsing Yi Sports Ground on the evenings of 16 and 19 August respectively.

Various cultural activities have also been lined up, allowing young players to bond and learn about each other’s cultures. These include learning traditional activities such as lion dancing, wushu and making dumplings.

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, including the JC Elite Youth Football Camp, the JC School Football Development Scheme, the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme, the JC Youth Football Fitness Assessment and the JC Youth Soccer Skills Challenge. The Club also supports the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Scheme, whose summer scheme is the largest such programme in Hong Kong. In 2015, the Club announced a HK$120 million donation to support the Jockey Club HKFA 5-Year Football Development Programme, which is aimed at promoting the sport 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 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 charity and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combating illegal gambling.  In 2015/16, the Club donated a record HK$3.9 billion to charity and paid a record HK$20.9 billion in tax. It is Hong Kong's largest single tax payer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors.  The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.

The Manchester United Academy U16 squad arrived at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (14 August). The squad will participate in the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, a week-long cultural and football exchange programme with Hong Konga£á?s elite youth players.
The Manchester United Academy U16 squad arrived at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (14 August). The squad will participate in the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, a week-long cultural and football exchange programme with Hong Konga£á?s elite youth players.

The Manchester United Academy U16 squad, coaches, plus a supporting team of seven staff will stay at the Hong Kong Sports Institute for a week.
The Manchester United Academy U16 squad, coaches, plus a supporting team of seven staff will stay at the Hong Kong Sports Institute for a week.

First training sessions of the Manchester United Academy U16 squad at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.
First training sessions of the Manchester United Academy U16 squad at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.

The Manchester United Academy U16 squad visited Stanley Market on the first evening (14 August) of their arrival.
The Manchester United Academy U16 squad visited Stanley Market on the first evening (14 August) of their arrival.

Photo 5and 6: A joint training between the Manchester United Academy U16 squad and the Hong Kong District All-Stars at the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre on 15 August.
Photo 5and 6: A joint training between the Manchester United Academy U16 squad and the Hong Kong District All-Stars at the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre on 15 August.


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