Manchester United Academy U16 players arrive in Hong Kong as JC Youth Football Academy Summit gets underway

The JC Youth Football Academy Summit, organised by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, commenced with the arrival of 24 Manchester United Academy U16 squad members on Sunday (10 August). The visiting youngsters will participate in a week-long cultural and football exchange programme with local Hong Kong players.

Manchester United Academy U16 players arrive in Hong Kong as JC Youth Football Academy Summit gets underway.

As part of the visit, the team will play two friendly matches – the first against the Premier Youth League Select team on 15 August, followed by the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team on 17 August. Both matches will take place at Mong Kok Stadium.

Ahead of the opening match, the Manchester United Academy U16 team took part in joint training sessions yesterday and today (12-13 August) at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, first with the Premier Youth League Select team and then with the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative team.

Ahead of the opening match, the Manchester United Academy U16 team took part in joint training sessions yesterday and today (12-13 August) at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, first with the Premier Youth League Select team and then with the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative team. Under the guidance of coaches from Manchester United’s youth academy, the players engaged in group drills to prepare for the friendly matches. Manchester United legend Phil Jones was also present today, to show support and offer encouragement.

Ahead of the opening match, the Manchester United Academy U16 team took part in joint training sessions yesterday and today (12-13 August) at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, first with the Premier Youth League Select team and then with the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative team.

Beyond football, the summit is offering cultural immersion and visits to Club facilities. The Manchester United Academy U16 team visited The Hong Kong Jockey Club Apprentice Jockeys’ School and Racing Talent Training Centre on 11 August. There, they joined a tour of the stables, observed horse grooming and experienced wooden horse riding, and were given an opportunity to interact with horses.

Beyond football, the summit is offering cultural immersion and visits to Club facilities. The Manchester United Academy U16 team visited The Hong Kong Jockey Club Apprentice Jockeys’ School and Racing Talent Training Centre on 11 August.

There, they joined a tour of the stables, observed horse grooming and experienced wooden horse riding, and were given an opportunity to interact with horses.

There, they joined a tour of the stables, observed horse grooming and experienced wooden horse riding, and were given an opportunity to interact with horses.

Yesterday, the young athletes enjoyed a Dragon Boat Experience Day, deepening their understanding of Chinese culture through hands-on experience, while developing their teamwork and communication skills.

Yesterday, the young athletes enjoyed a Dragon Boat Experience Day, deepening their understanding of Chinese culture through hands-on experience.

Yesterday, the young athletes enjoyed a Dragon Boat Experience Day, deepening their understanding of Chinese culture through hands-on experience.

The Club continues to play a leading role in nurturing local football talent through the JC Youth Football Academy Summit. The summit is a collaboration launched in 2017 between the Club, Manchester United and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China. It is supported by funding from the Club’s Charities Trust, with Tung Wah Group of Hospitals assisting in the operation of this year’s programme. Reflecting a shared commitment to holistic youth development, the summit offers a series of “Play Together”, “Learn Together” and “Train Together” activities that help the young players build their physical, mental and social capabilities, while broadening their horizons and unleashing their potential.

Yesterday the young athletes enjoyed a Dragon Boat Experience Day, deepening their understanding of Chinese culture through hands-on experience, while developing their teamwork and communication skills.

One City; Two Passions. This April, a landmark partnership between The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) will unite Hong Kong’s two greatest sporting passions – horse racing and rugby – for the very first time, showcasing our city’s world-class sport and entertainment and strong community spirit.

Racing and rugby, two iconic sports, have been rooted in Hong Kong for over 100 years. Their success on the international stage has brought pride to our city and attracted fans and tourists from all over the world. “Racing with Rugby” offers the unique opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s two world-class sports in one epic celebration, reinforcing our city’s position as Asia’s events capital.

Racing with Rugby” – Jockey Club celebrates Hong Kong’s two iconic sports.

Tailor-made ticket packages are available at Klook for“Racing with Rugby” experiences at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses. Ticketing details: https://www.klook.com/zh-HK/activity/97423-cathay-pacific-hsbc-hong-kong-sevens/?spm=LanguageCurrencySelectionPopup.SelectLanguage&clickId=f030ea73d9 (choose “Combo deals” under Package options)

“Racing with Rugby” highlights include:

Launch of “Racing with Rugby” and Announcement of the Hong Kong China Rugby Sevens Team (Sha Tin Racecourse, Sunday 12 April). “Racing with Rugby” will be launched at a special ceremony in the Parade Ring at Sha Tin Racecourse. A highlight will be the announcement of the line up for the Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens teams. This will be followed by a thrilling day of horse racing and entertainment, with opportunities to meet and greet rugby stars. Book a “Genso Fudo Town package offer” (while stocks last) to meet the Hong Kong China Rugby players and to join interactive games for a chance to win a special edition signed horse plush! Booking website: https://bit.ly/4d6S4Jw

Rugby-themed Happy Wednesday (Happy Valley Racecourse, Wednesday 15 April). For the first time, Happy Wednesday’s legendary race night party will celebrate rugby week, coinciding with the HKFC 10s, the world’s premier ten-a-side competition held at HKFC in Happy Valley from 14 - 16 April. Sports fans will be able to enjoy a day of top-class rugby before heading over to the racecourse for Hong Kong’s world-famous night races in the heart of the city. Famous singer Jason Donovan and music group BABBA will bring spectacular racecourse entertainment.

Pre-sale of Team Hong Kong, China jerseys and rugby-themed merchandise. Ahead of the Hong Kong Sevens, racing and rugby fans will be able to purchase Hong Kong, China jerseys and rugby merchandise at specific locations in Sha Tin Racecourse on 12 April and Happy Valley Racecourse on 15 April (while stocks last).

 Community engagement. Building on its long-running role as the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens, the HKJC is extending this commitment to the HKFC 10s this year. The HKJC Volunteer Team will host a booth in the fan village of the Hong Kong Sevens (17-19 April) at Kai Tak Stadium and at the HKFC 10s (14–16 April) at the Hong Kong Football Club, offering sports and interactive activities. The HKJC has expanded its booth at the Hong Kong Sevens this year, where its Volunteer Team will deliver live band performances on stage. As always, the HKJC is supporting outreach programmes and youth rugby competitions and providing tickets to students, the elderly and the underprivileged so they can experience the thrill of rugby both on and off the pitch.

For more event information, please visit the Club’s website and Instagram pages.
- Racecourse Events: https://entertainment.hkjc.com/zh-hk/index
- Happy Wednesday: https://happywednesday.hkjc.com/zhHK/parties/S2526RacingWithRugby/
- IG @hkjcentertainment: https://www.instagram.com/HKJCEntertainment
- IG @hkjcracingsports: https://www.instagram.com/hkjcracingsports/
- IG @hkjc_community: https://www.instagram.com/hkjc_community/
 
Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has promoted sports at both community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sports. The support for community sports, sports development and participation, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.