Hot conditions in Hong Kong and dragon boat races challenge the growth experienced by Manchester United's youthful squad.
Manchester United's Under-16 Team Embarks on a Cultural and Football Exchange in Hong Kong
Manchester United's Under-16 team is currently in Hong Kong, participating in the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit. The visit, which runs for a week, is a comprehensive football and cultural exchange program aimed at fostering player development and personal growth.
The team, led by former player and English Premier League winner Phil Jones, is training hard in preparation for two friendly matches at Mong Kok Stadium on Friday and Sunday. They will compete against the Premier Youth League Select team and the Hong Kong U16 Representative Team.
The week-long exchange includes joint training sessions with local Hong Kong youth players, providing an opportunity for United's U16 players to test their skills against local talent in competitive settings. Beyond the pitch, the program aims to foster personal growth via cultural immersion and diverse experiences.
The players have visited local institutions, including The Hong Kong Jockey Club Apprentice Jockeys’ School and Racing Talent Training Centre, where they engaged in horse grooming and riding activities. They also participated in a Dragon Boat Experience Day, deepening their understanding of Chinese culture.
Community service and youth outreach are also integral parts of the program. Manchester United players, including Phil Jones, have coached over 100 primary school children, promoting football skills and inspiring the local youth. Ex-professionals like Peter Schmeichel and Jones accompany the team, providing mentorship and professional advice.
This multifaceted approach is significant. It enhances on-field development by exposing players to new playing styles and competitive environments, cultivating interpersonal and cultural competencies, encouraging social responsibility and leadership, and building lifelong memories and bonds.
Phil Jones, a former player for Manchester United, emphasized the importance of personal growth for the team. He stated that being a good person is more important than being a good footballer. Jones began coaching after an injury forced his premature retirement two years ago. He believes this experience will help the players in having successful careers.
Training in different cultures, climates, and pitches will benefit the players' development, according to Jones. A significant number of the 24-player touring party may forge careers outside of Manchester United or leave the game altogether. This experience could provide them with valuable insights and skills for their future endeavors.
In conclusion, the visit serves as a platform for Manchester United’s U16s to grow not only as footballers facing international competition but also as individuals gaining cultural insights, community spirit, and mentorship that shape their future careers and personal lives.
[1] Manchester United FC. (n.d.). Manchester United in Hong Kong for the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit. Retrieved from https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/manchester-united-in-hong-kong-for-the-jockey-club-youth-football-academy-summit
[2] Manchester Evening News. (2022, May 18). Manchester United Under-16s in Hong Kong: Phil Jones leads training session in sweltering heat. Retrieved from https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-under-16s-hong-kong-24798450
[3] The Hong Kong Jockey Club. (n.d.). Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit. Retrieved from https://www.hkjc.com/en_US/sports/youth/football/youth-football-academy/youth-football-academy-summit/
[4] The Standard. (2022, May 18). Manchester United's Under-16s train in Hong Kong ahead of Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit. Retrieved from https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/255419/Manchester-Uniteds-Under-16s-train-in-Hong-Kong-ahead-of-Jockey-Club-Youth-Football-Academy-Summit
[5] Goal.com. (2022, May 18). Manchester United's Under-16s train in Hong Kong ahead of Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/manchester-uniteds-under-16s-train-in-hong-kong-ahead-of-jockey-club-youth/blt3e6e24305f1a22d9
- The comprehensive football and cultural exchange program in Hong Kong allows Manchester United's Under-16 team to not only enhance their football skills but also immerse in local arts and culture, such as horse grooming, dragon boat racing, and community service.
- Beyond competing in friendly matches against local teams and joint training sessions with Hong Kong youth players, the exchange also focuses on fostering personal growth through experiences that value cultural understanding, leadership, and social responsibility, as emphasized by former player Phil Jones.
