New HKJC Community Cup heralds inaugural HK Premier League

08/27/2014

The new Hong Kong Premier League will start in mid-September. As a long term supporter of local football development, The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today (27 August) that it will title sponsor the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Cup, a new curtain-raising competition organised by the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) to herald the inaugural Hong Kong Premier League. The prize money donated by the Club will also support local football development and benefit the community at large, as a portion of sponsorship will be donated to charities.

At a press conference held today to announce details of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Cup, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges congratulated the HKFA on establishing the Hong Kong Premier League, saying it was a right step for local football development.

“The Jockey Club’s one million dollar sponsorship will cover both prize money and a sum to be shared among seven other premier league clubs, so as to help them better prepare for the new challenges of the Hong Kong Premier League,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges explained. “In addition, the name ‘Community Cup’ means it won’t only be a football event. It also echoes to what we do in ‘giving back’ to the community. A portion of the funds will be donated to charities and worthy causes nominated by the two competing clubs – Kitchee and South China. This is one very good part of the Community Cup.”
The first Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Cup will take place at Mongkok Stadium on Sunday, 31 August. The match will feature the reigning First Division League champions Kitchee and the season play-off winners South China. Before the match, two U13 football teams, Kowloon Cricket Club and Tai Chung, will contest the Junior HKJC Community Cup.  This will provide a good chance for the city's youth players to demonstrate their talent and skill in a major competition.

Thanking the Club for its sponsorship, the HKFA’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe said the sponsorship had not only made this new competition possible, but would also provide an exciting spectacle for fans. “I am really pleased to confirm that there will be a ‘Junior’ version of the Cup played for by some of our most talented young players,” he said.  “This will be a great opportunity for them to experience what it feels like to be a professional footballer and I hope that some will be inspired to raise their game even higher.” 

Part of the net proceeds from the match will be donated to charities nominated by the competing clubs. Kitchee have selected the United Christian Hospital as the beneficiary while the choice of South China is the Society for Community Organisation.

The Club has long been a staunch supporter of local football development, contributing over HK$170 million in recent years. Examples include funding the construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre in Shek Mun, Sha Tin, and supporting the HKFA to organise the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Programme and the Group H Qualifiers of the AFC U-14 Championship 2014 in Hong Kong.
 
The Club is also collaborating with Manchester United to run various football-related programmes including the Jockey Club Youth Football Fitness Assessment and the Jockey Club School Football Development Scheme, aimed at bringing together overseas and local professionals in football training and sports science, to provide chances for local young players to reach their full potential. Another initiative, the Jockey Club Youth Football Leadership Scheme, is designed to boost young people’s organisational and leadership skills and nurture future young community leaders.

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.