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South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong youth ‘proud and honoured' to play against Manchester United despite thrashing
Hong Kong's best youth football prospects were 'proud and honoured' to have had the chance to go up against Manchester United's U16 academy over the weekend, with their coach saying the experience would make them better athletes. Advertisement The JC Youth Football Academy Summit is a week-long event featuring two matches in which Hong Kong footballers played against their Manchester United counterparts at Mong Kok Stadium. Organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the summit saw the Premier Youth League Select draw 3-3 with United's academy before losing a penalty shoot-out. And on Sunday, Hong Kong's U16 national team lost 7-1. Despite the result, Hong Kong captain Jay Chan, who is an academy player for Spanish side AD Alcorcon, said he valued the experience. 'It was a really good opportunity; I think we put a lot of effort into it,' Chan said. Manchester United's Jaice (right) in a race for the ball with Hong Kong's Nigel Lau. Photo: Edmond So 'We did really good as a team; of course, there's a lot to improve, but I think we'll do better next time.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong heat, dragon boats add to Manchester United youngsters' learning curve
Manchester United's potential stars of tomorrow will broaden their horizons during their visit to Hong Kong this week, according to coach and former player Phil Jones. The club's under-16s are in the city for the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, and trained alongside Hong Kong counterparts under blistering skies in Tseung Kwan O on Wednesday ahead of matches at Mong Kok Stadium on Friday and Sunday. English Premier League winner Jones, who has begun coaching after injury forced his premature retirement two years ago, led parts of the session. 'Coming to places like this, training in the heat and experiencing a different culture, climate and pitches, will add so much to our players' development,' Jones said. 'It's part of understanding what it's like to be a footballer, and will hopefully help them have successful careers.' Along with equipping young prospects for on-field battles, Jones said it was imperative that United managed players' personal growth. In reality, a number of the 24-player touring party will either forge careers away from the three-time European champions or drift out of the game altogether. Phil Jones was once tipped to become Manchester United's 'best-ever player'. Photo: Jonathan Wong 'Being a good human being is more important than being a good footballer,' Jones said. 'It's great to have both, but if you're not a good person, it's pretty difficult to make it in football.'
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leverkusen become first Bundesliga club to open academy in Brazil
The academy will be run by club legend Paulo Sergio and built on the Bayer Brazil campus in Sao Paulo, with space for up to 300 children between the ages of five and 15. With the academy set to open on July 5th, Sergio said that: 'Bayer Leverkusen is the perfect club in Europe for young talents who dream of becoming top players. Integration and training are core values of the club. I came to Leverkusen as a young player, and what I experienced there turned me into a top player and world champion.' Advertisement The former Leverkusen forward made 121 appearances for die Werkself between the years between the years of 1993 and 1997. Also speaking on the opening of the academy, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro said that: 'The opening of our own football academy in Brazil is another milestone in our internationalisation strategy.' 'Bayer 04 and Brazil have had a very special connection for a long time. With the Bayer 04 football academy in Sao Paulo, we plan to inspire and support the next generation of footballers and Bayer 04 fans, while strengthening our ties with this football-loving country and working closely with our Bayer family in Brazil and Latin America.'
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IDA Valencia Expands Global Reach with International Soccer Academy Model
05/12/2025, Bétera, Valencia, Spain // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // As football's international footprint grows, IDA Valencia is announcing the global expansion of its pioneering international soccer academy model. Based in Bétera, just outside the city of Valencia, Spain, the sports school is reshaping what it means to train, educate, and elevate young athletes on a worldwide stage. The expansion marks a bold new chapter for IDA Valencia, bringing its proven development philosophy to a broader international audience. The Spain Soccer Academy, which has long stood as a destination for promising talent, is now scaling its integrated approach to meet student-athletes and families worldwide. This growth includes partnerships with like-minded institutions, new talent identification programs, and enhancement of global recruitment pipelines to deliver the IDA methodology to more aspiring footballers. What sets IDA Valencia apart is its balanced execution of intensive, position-specific football training with individualized academic support. Under the guidance of UEFA-licensed coaches, players participate in a residential program that runs year-round. The training is rigorous and deeply structured, resembling the environment of elite European clubs. Student-athletes also benefit from U.S.-accredited academic tracks. These include high school diploma completion, SAT prep, and tailored college consultations. This dual focus empowers players to prepare for success both on the field and in the classroom. The academy's global strategy underscores its intent to provide more student-athletes access to its elite, one-of-a-kind sports training. Building partnerships with clubs and academies in North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East creates a network where young players can be scouted, mentored, and placed into top-level training environments. Through IDA's extended platform, athletes gain exposure to international tournaments, Spanish league matches, and elite showcases. IDA Valencia serves athletes aged 13–23 with programs tailored to different academic backgrounds and football experience levels. Its offerings include a full-time residential academy, short-term intensive development programs, and team training camps. Academic pathways are flexible, with options such as the U.S. high school curriculum, AP courses, and personalized support for university recruitment. Aside from training and development, its coaches also emphasize community and inclusion. Students from diverse backgrounds form lifelong bonds through their shared pursuit of football excellence. The academy's local ties, including collaborations with clubs and organizations across Valencia, ensure a cultural immersion beyond the pitch. The academy's base in Spain remains a cornerstone of its identity. With a deep connection to the region's rich football culture, it provides access to professional-grade facilities including well-maintained pitches, a performance gym, player residences, and on-site educational support. As a respected International Football Academy, IDA Valencia continues to redefine what a modern football education should offer. It serves not only as a training ground for technical and tactical mastery but also as a gateway to global opportunity. Through this development, the institution reinforces its position as a leader in youth football, welcoming a new generation of athletes ready to rise. To explore programs, admission criteria, and upcoming opportunities, visit IDA Valencia's official website at About IDA Valencia IDA Valencia, an International Soccer Academy, blends elite football development with tailored academic programs in the heart of Spain's football culture. The academy equips student-athletes with the tools to succeed both on and off the field. ### Media Contact IDA Valencia Address: Carrer Botxí, 4, 46117 Bétera, Valencia, Spain Phone: +34 693-440-136 Website: newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> IDA Valencia Expands Global Reach with International Soccer Academy Model
