Corporate News

Jockey Club kicks off football programme to nurture young talents

05/22/2013

As part of the concerted efforts to raise the standards of local football, today (22 May) marked the start of this year’s Jockey Club Youth Football Development Programme – Summer Scheme, offering systematic training for youngsters and the further grooming of talented players.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) Chairman Brian Leung, Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe and Leisure and Cultural Services Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Olivia Chan at the kick-off ceremony for the Programme at the Hong Kong Football Club.

Now in its second year, the Programme is funded by a HK$12 million donation from the Jockey Club’s Charities Trust and run by its long-time partner, the Hong Kong Football Association.

"We are glad that 15,000 young people will benefit from the programme. Young people can learn to be competitive in team sport like football, which also helps improve their interpersonal skills,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

The Summer Scheme will run from July to October for participants aged 5 to 19. It is divided into four stages, covering basic football skills, advanced skills training, followed by district and citywide competitions. 

Players with good potential will be selected for ongoing year-round training in each of the 18 districts, with the most promising ones being able to join the two-week Jockey Club Elite Youth Football Camp, where they will be trained by world-class coaches from the Manchester United Soccer School. For the two best players from the Camp, they will have the chance to go for a one-week training programme held in August at MU’s football academy in England.

Limited enrolment in the Summer Scheme is now open on a first come, first served basis.  For details, please refer to HKFA’s website: www.hkfa.com.

The Jockey Club has been a staunch supporter of local football over the years, including the reconstruction of the Hong Kong Stadium, launch of a three-year training programme – the Jockey Club Elite Youth Football Camp in collaboration with Manchester United, and the construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre for training in Shek Mun.  The Club has also supported HKFA to organise the AFC U-14 Championship 2014-Qualifiers (Group H) Competition in Hong Kong, as well as the Hong Kong Games and its Futsal competition.

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 a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year 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, with more than 23,000 members. 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.

The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says young people can learn to be competitive in team sport like football, which also helps improve their interpersonal skills.
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says young people can learn to be competitive in team sport like football, which also helps improve their interpersonal skills.

The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd right) officiates at the opening ceremony with HKFA Chairman Brian Leung, (2nd left) Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe (1st left) and Leisure and Cultural Services Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Olivia Chan (1st right).
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd right) officiates at the opening ceremony with HKFA Chairman Brian Leung, (2nd left) Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe (1st left) and Leisure and Cultural Services Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Olivia Chan (1st right).

Photos 3 /4 /5:<BR>
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 2nd right) joins HKFA Chairman Brian Leung, (back row, 3rd right) Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe (back row, 3rd left) and Leisure and Cultural Services Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Olivia Chan (back row, 2nd left) and the Programmea£į?s ambassadors Chan Pak-hang (back row, 1st left) and Yip Tsz-chun (back row, 1st right) and young footballers at the kick-off ceremony.
Photos 3 /4 /5:
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 2nd right) joins HKFA Chairman Brian Leung, (back row, 3rd right) Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe (back row, 3rd left) and Leisure and Cultural Services Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Olivia Chan (back row, 2nd left) and the Programmea£į?s ambassadors Chan Pak-hang (back row, 1st left) and Yip Tsz-chun (back row, 1st right) and young footballers at the kick-off ceremony.



The Programmea£į?s ambassadors Yip Tsz-chun (1st left) and Chan Pak-hang (2nd right) and young footballers share their passion about the sport.
The Programmea£į?s ambassadors Yip Tsz-chun (1st left) and Chan Pak-hang (2nd right) and young footballers share their passion about the sport.

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