Jockey Club Presents Youth Football Academy Summit - Manchester United U16s to Engage with Young Local Players

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. The Manchester United Academy U16 squad will visit Hong Kong and join young local players in a week-long football and cultural exchange programme. The highlight of the summit will be two friendly matches, with young players from both sides showcasing their skills on the pitch.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post

The two matches are scheduled to take place on 14 and 16 August at Mong Kok Stadium. The first match will be between the Manchester United Academy U16 squad and the Hong Kong Premier Youth League U18 Champions - Kitchee. The second match will feature the visiting team versus the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team.

During the summit, two Manchester United legends - former captain Antonio Valencia and former defender Jaap Stam - will also visit Hong Kong. They will join young players in exchange activities and appear at the matches respectively to meet and interact with fans, further heightening the excitement at the stadium.

This year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post

Members of the public can register online at charities.hkjc.com from 10:00 am on 13 July (Monday) to obtain free tickets for the matches (each person can register a maximum of 4 tickets for each match). On-site activities will also include game booths, photo opportunities and live performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for football fans.

Photo by Bastille Post

Officiating at the ceremony, Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said football offers young players a valuable opportunity - not only to develop their skills, but also to build discipline and perseverance. The summit provides training and exchange opportunities, helping to strengthen young people's self-belief. He added that, as a world-class equine sports and charity organisation, the Club has donated close to HK$6.7 billion to support sports development at both elite and community levels. The Club is also committed to supporting major "M" Mark sports events, reinforcing the city's status as a world-class hub for international sports and entertainment.

Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Photo by Bastille Post

David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, stated that football has the transformative power to inspire and develop young people. The JC Youth Football Academy Summit provides a truly unique platform for young footballers from both Manchester and Hong Kong. It's an initiative through which talent meets opportunity; where the players learn, exchange views and gain invaluable understanding of cultural differences and similarities - experiences that extend far beyond the football pitch.

David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, Photo by Bastille Post

John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, said the JC Youth Football Academy Summit offers Hong Kong's young players a valuable platform for football and cultural exchange. The Football Association hopes that by interacting with and learning from Manchester United Academy players, they will broaden their horizons, enrich their lives, and continue to improve and progress in their football careers.

John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, Photo by Bastille Post

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov drew on his own experiences to encourage young people to stay resilient in the face of setbacks.

Recalling his tryout for Bulgaria's national youth team, he admitted he had been confident of making the cut—only to be left out. "That moment was really painful for me," he said. "It felt like someone was telling you that you weren't good enough. It was crushing."

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post

Yet he refused to let that disappointment define him. Instead, he kept pushing forward, and that persistence eventually paved the way for the success he enjoys today.

Reflecting on his journey, he described the opportunity to connect and learn with young people from diverse backgrounds as "a wonderful process." He also offered a piece of heartfelt advice: "I hope they will stay committed to learning and remain consistent in their efforts, because that will truly make a difference."

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post

MILAN (AP) — AC Milan hired Rúben Amorim on Tuesday, five months after he was fired by Manchester United — with the Portuguese coach set to face his old club in one of his first matches.

Amorim was regarded as one of the top emerging coaches in Europe before his reputation took a hit in the Premier League. Milan did not announce the length of his contract but Italian media reports he has signed a three-year deal, worth 3.5 million euros ($4 million) a season plus bonuses.

“We have tracked Rúben for years and his Sporting tenure is extremely impressive and reflects the style of play that we are looking for,” said Gerry Cardinale, the managing partner of Milan's American owners, RedBird.

“He is one of the most prepared and innovative coaches of the new European generation — young, ambitious, and with a modern footballing identity defined by dominating games in possession, a modern pressing system and a clear tactical approach.”

The 41-year-old Amorim replaces Massimiliano Allegri, who was fired last month — along with Milan’s CEO and several senior directors — after what RedBird deemed “an unequivocal failure” of a season.

Milan spent much of the Serie A campaign in the top two positions and fighting for the title but a run of only two wins in its last eight matches dropped it to fifth on the last day of the season and saw it miss out on Champions League qualification.

Amorim was fired by United in January, the day after making provocative comments about his position within the club’s hierarchy in a puzzling post-match press conference.

That proved to be the final straw following a difficult 14 months in the job.

Amorim had apologized to fans at the end of the 2024-25 season for what he described as a “disastrous” campaign when United finished 15th in the standings — its lowest in the Premier League era. He also oversaw unwanted club records including the most losses in a Premier League season and the lowest points total.

Amorim was considered one of the brightest coaches in Europe when United hired him from Sporting Lisbon. He had led the Portuguese team to its first league title in 19 years in 2021 and won the Primeira Liga again three years later.

Amorim faced constant questions about his tactics at United, where he continued to stubbornly favor a 3-4-3 formation that did not seem to suit his players.

However, it is that attacking system — completely different to Allegri’s much more defensive style — that has reportedly attracted Cardinale and special adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“Rúben believes in high press attacking football with quick transitions that enable greater goal scoring," Cardinale added. "His philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision, while his leadership qualities and track record in developing players stood out to us.

"We believe in Rúben and are excited to welcome him to the club.”

Allegri rarely used a 3-4-3 formation apart from late on in games where Milan was trailing, in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to claw something back.

So the players are mostly untested in the system, although it could suit several of them, especially wingback Alexis Saelemaekers, who has explosive pace and offensive skills.

United States international Christian Pulisic, who had a dismal second half of the season with Milan, could revel in that formation, in his preferred role on one of the flanks of the attacking trident.

One of the players most suited to the system is Rafael Leão, who has said he will leave Milan in the offseason. However, it remains to be seen whether he changes his mind with the arrival of Amorim.

Milan faces United in a pre-season friendly in Poland on Aug. 15.

In an interview given to Portuguese media at the start of his managerial career, Amorim said it had been a childhood dream to play for Benfica and Milan. Amorim, who spent most of his playing career with Benfica, added with a laugh that since he hadn’t managed to play for Milan he would have to coach the Italian team.

“There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career," Amorim said Tuesday, "and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine. I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world.

“It is a challenge I embrace with pride and enthusiasm, fully aware of what these colors represent. I can’t wait to get started and to experience every day the passion that drives AC Milan.”

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FILE - Sporting players throw head coach Ruben Amorim in the air at the end of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, file)

FILE - Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim watches from the sideline during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, file)