Manchester United announce extended Hong Kong youth football deal

Manchester United’s efforts to support football development in Hong Kong have been given a boost after the club signed a new deal with The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

United have agreed to extend their relationship with the Jockey Club, adding a second four-year term to the partnership first struck in 2012.

As part of the agreement, the club’s Academy team will play at least one game per year in Hong Kong, with the first due to take place in Summer 2017.

In addition to its activities in horse racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has focused its partnership with United on developing youth football in the city-state, including through its Community Youth Football Programme supported by United Soccer Schools coaches.

Richard Arnold, group managing director of Manchester United, said: “The success achieved during the course of this partnership has been incredible and it’s an honour for us to continue our great work together for another four years.

“At Manchester United we have an unrivalled record of producing young footballers through an outstanding Academy system, including the recent emergence of a new group of players in the finest traditions of the club.”

He added: “Having this commitment to youth development in our DNA has no doubt helped our work with The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which shares so many of our values.”

The CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, commented: “Today as we take forward our partnership with Manchester United and the Hong Kong Football Association, our aim is to further maximise the potential of Hong Kong’s young people through football – to inspire them to exceed and excel in everything they do, and to encourage them to always put their best foot forward.”

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