The under-16 squad from Manchester United’s Academy, which has produced some of greatest ever players in England, will visit Hong Kong for the first time this summer. They will join the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, a new collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United and the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA). The Club hosted a press conference today (21 June) to announce the details of the summit.
The JC Youth Football Academy Summit will be held on 14 to 20 August in Hong Kong. During the week-long programme, United’s Under 16 Academy team will be training with the HKFA Academy team, and will also play two friendly games with elite youth players from both Hong Kong and District teams. In addition, they will take part in various cultural exchange activities, allowing the young players from both places to bond and learn from each other.
Manchester United’s Academy has produced many international great players, from Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best in the 60s, to David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville since the 90s. Nicky Butt, Head of Manchester United’s Academy, who will also join the Summit in August, is also a graduate of the Academy.
Speaking at today’s press conference, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said that the Summit provided a great chance for the young players to learn new footballing skills. But most of all, the Club hoped that the experience would widen their horizons, by appreciating each other’s culture and above all, learning that the best way to get along is to respect diversity.
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges also said that over the last five years, the Club has collaborated with Manchester United and the Hong Kong Football Association to share the benefits of professional football training with Hong Kong. Moreover, the Club and its partners have gradually enlarged the focus, from skills training to the all-round development of young people focusing on building their physical, mental and social capabilities. He pointed out that football is also a wonderful way to bring people together – opening hearts and minds across cultures and uniting people with the same passion for football.
Also joining today’s press conference were the HKFA Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe and Manchester United legend Louis Saha, who shared his view on multiculturalism and impressions regarding Chinese culture.
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, 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 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
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a not-for-profit enterprise dedicated to community betterment. Through its integrated business model of world-class racing, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charity and community contribution, the Club generates substantial economic and social value and assists the Government in combatting 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 and one of the world’s largest charity donors. 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.
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The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says that football is a way to bring together people with different cultures and minds.
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Manchester Uniteda£į?s Group Managing Director Richard Arnold shares his views on the enhanced partnership with the club.
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The Hong Kong Football Associationa£į?s Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe thanks the Cluba£į? support for local football development.
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Together with Manchester United Group Managing Director Richard Arnold (1st left), MU football legend Louis Saha (1st right) gives a framed shirt to the Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd left) and the HKFA Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe (2nd right) as a memento.
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Manchester United legend Louis Saha (3rd left) and two-time martial arts World Champion Marvel Chow (3rd right) demonstrate Chinese martial arts with HKFA academy players.
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Group Photo
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