The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), has partnered with the Hong Kong FA (HKFA) in order to develop football initiatives in the autonomous region.
Working alongside executives of the HKFA, the state licensed operator has formed a five year plan to support all levels of football. HKJC will back the plan with a HK $120 million (£11 million) donation targeting development of youth programmes, women’s football, futsal, coaching, referee training and operational support.
HKJC’s support of Hong Kong football will come as a major boost to HKFA operations who currently receive HK $25 million (£2.2 million) in funding for the Bureau of Home Affairs and Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Department.
HKFA Chief Executive Mark Sutcliffe has welcomed the help of HKJC in the development of football in the region. Speaking to Hong Kong media Sutcliffe stated that the money from the HKJC partnership would be solely directed towards grass roots and development initiatives.
“With the money we get from the Jockey Club and the government, we can spend four times more on our representative team, and three times more on our senior men’s team and youth football development. We are also going to spend a lot more on women’s football and futsal, coach education and referee training.” Sutcliffe commented