The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has announced that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will return from August 10 to 17. Manchester United Academy's U16 squad will visit Hong Kong for a week-long program combining football development, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The summit will culminate in two friendly matches at Mong Kok Stadium. On August 14, Manchester United's U16 team will face Kitchee, champions of the Hong Kong Premier Youth League U18 competition, before taking on the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team on August 16.
Members of the public can register online beginning July 13 to obtain free tickets, with each person eligible to claim up to four tickets for each match. Matchday activities will also include interactive game booths, live performances and fan engagement experiences.
Beyond the matches, the visiting players will take part in a series of exchange activities with local youth footballers, including training sessions, community service projects and cultural experiences. The program also features visits to the Club's Apprentice Jockeys' School and dragon boat activities designed to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Manchester United legends Antonio Valencia and Jaap Stam will also travel to Hong Kong during the summit, joining youth exchange sessions and making appearances at the two matches to interact with young players and supporters.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Director of Sports Business Casper Stylsvig said football provides young people with opportunities to develop discipline, perseverance and self-confidence while strengthening personal growth beyond the game itself.
HKJC noted that it has donated nearly HK$6.7bn (US$855.2m) to support sports development at both the elite and community levels. Through initiatives such as the Youth Football Academy Summit and its support for major sporting events, the Club aims to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international sports and entertainment destination.
The summit is jointly organized by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, with support from the Club's Charities Trust
