The Lifelong Journey of Football Leadership

The Jockey Club Youth Football Leadership Scheme, designed to cultivate football leaders aged 15 to 19, is in its eighth edition. After approximately six months of training the current cohort of youngsters has completed the programme, and six outstanding students are about to embark on a journey to the United Kingdom.

The Scheme, developed and promoted in a collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals with support from Manchester United, recently held a graduation ceremony. In addition to the presentation of certificates to participants, six outstanding students were recognised for their efforts and will travel to Manchester in August to engage in volunteer activities and community football services. The experience is intended to broaden their horizons and equip them to become future football leaders.

This year’s programme invited seasoned professionals to be star mentors and share their experiences, while also incorporating mountaineering training to inspire youngsters to develop self-discipline and team spirit. One of the star mentors, Johnny Hui, has varied life experience including as an architect, football commentator and actor. Hui was invited to the graduation ceremony and presented the “Best Improvement Award" to three students. He encouraged them to remember what they learned and emphasised the importance of pursuing their ideals and moving forward, regardless of any challenges they may encounter.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club launched this programme in 2014, and recruits approximately 45 youngsters aged 15 to 19 from all Hong Kong districts each year. Through a six-month basic football coaching course, thematic workshops and community service activities, it aims to enhance the physical, mental and social development of the participants.

What the youngsters learned will benefit them for a lifetime and hopefully they will continue to progress and keep learning. The six outstanding students, on their return from the UK, can share their inspiration and achievements with friends and coaches in Hong Kong, encouraging more young people to participate in football, which is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.