Despite heavy rain, over 4,500 enthusiastic fans packed Mong Kok Stadium on Sunday to watch the second friendly match of the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, where Hong Kong’s U16 representative team faced off against Manchester United’s U16 youth squad.
The excitement began even before kickoff, as Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel greeted fans, drawing a roaring reception from the Red Devils’ supporters.
Local pop star Jer Lau of the band MIRROR also took the stage, performing for the crowd ahead of the match.
Outside the stadium, fans enjoyed interactive games and activities at booths set up by Manchester United and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Among the visitors was Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi Kin-pan, who toured the Jockey Club’s volunteer-run balloon art stall alongside Freely Cheng, the Club’s Head of External Affairs.
Dominant display by Manchester United U16
The young Red Devils wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the 13th minute, forward Camron broke through the left flank, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted home to make it 1-0. Just three minutes later, right-back Alfie James doubled the lead with a powerful strike from outside the box, sending the traveling fans into chants of celebration.
The second half saw Manchester United extend their lead further. Camron completed his hat-trick with two more goals—first a composed finish from a through ball (57’) and then a header into an empty net (70’). Substitute Jasper then added a fifth in the 73rd minute with another clinical finish.
Hong Kong’s U16 team managed a memorable consolation goal in the 84th minute when midfielder Eden Tung Ki-lok dribbled past defenders and fired a precise shot into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd into raptures. However, Manchester United responded with two late goals, sealing a commanding 7-1 victory.
Post-match, Peter Schmeichel presented the Player of the Match award to hat-trick hero Callum Gannon.
More than just a game
The JC Youth Football Academy Summit, a collaboration between The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United, and the Football Association of Hong Kong, China since 2017, aims to nurture young talent through holistic development.
This year’s edition, supported by a donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, included off-pitch activities such as visits to the Apprentice Jockeys' School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, dragon boat experiences, and community service initiatives.