Hong Kong Jockey Club to host Under-16s friendlies

As part of the Summit, the Academy’s U16 players will have a unique opportunity to visit Hong Kong to participate in a week-long training camp, including playing two friendly matches against the Hong Kong, China U18 Representative Team and the Hong Kong, China Youth Select Team on 9 and 12 August at the Mong Kok Stadium.

Club legends Diego Forlan and Nemanja Vidic will be attending the Summit, showing their support for the youth players and greeting our passionate fans in Hong Kong at the games. The Carabao Cup trophy will also be on display for the first time in Hong Kong at the stadium.

Nick Cox, Manchester United's Director of Academy, said: "This will be the third time the Manchester United Academy has visited Hong Kong, having attended previous Academy Summits in 2017 and 2018. The young players participating in this year’s event have a unique opportunity to not only play overseas against opponents they have never faced before, but also learn about different cultures and lifestyles. 

"It'll be an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime, no matter where their path leads. Thank you to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for creating this experience and inviting the Manchester United Academy to be a part of it."

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Membership, Brand, Marketing and Experience Anthony Ingham said at the Academy Summit announcement event: "The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been actively promoting youth development through football for years. We are excited to host the Academy Summit again. It provides a platform for elite youth players from different backgrounds to learn from each other, deepen their appreciation of each other's cultures, and nurture respect for diversity, which is essential to their all-round development."

Manchester United and The Hong Kong Jockey Club have been partners for over 10 years, working together to deliver programmes designed to develop the physical, mental and social capabilities of young people in Hong Kong through the power of sports. Previous attendees of the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit have included Anthony Elanga, Shola Shoretire, Will Fish and Charlie Savage, among others.

Both friendly matches of The Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit are free to attend. Fans may register for match tickets on the event website at hkjc.com/WithYou starting from 10:00 local time on 12 July 2023 (Wednesday). Please note: spaces at the Summit and tickets are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit Highlights:

4-13 August
Manchester United Museum Exhibition
Tai Kwun
Supported by the Manchester United Museum and Tour, Old Trafford, artefacts from the club’s storied history will be on display, alongside a multi-media art display with giant installations inspired by cuju, a traditional Chinese ball game, by artist Victor Wong.

9 August
Hong Kong, China U18 Representative Team v Manchester United Academy U16 Team
19:45 local time 
Mong Kok Stadium

12 August
Hong Kong, China Youth Select Team v Manchester United Academy U16 Team
16:45 local time
Mong Kok Stadium