Former Manchester United star striker Dwight Yorke visited Hong Kong on Monday as part of the JC School Football Development Program, engaging with students and sharing his football journey.
Yorke visited TWGHs Tsoi Wing Sing Primary School, one of the program’s partner schools, where he met with 25 young players from the school’s football team. Greeted by a crowd of excited students, Yorke’s arrival was met with loud cheers and enthusiasm.
The football legend signed autographs for the children, who brought photos and jerseys hoping to get his signature. He also joined in a friendly match, playing football alongside the students.
Speaking to the media, Yorke said he was impressed by the students’ energy and love for the game. He noted that while there was a big age gap between him and the young players, the shared passion for football brought them together.
“I saw some real talent out there,” Yorke said. “It’s important to nurture that passion from a young age. That’s how you grow into great players.”
Yorke also reflected on his own childhood in Trinidad and Tobago. He said he started playing football at six years old and chose the sport over other activities early on. He encouraged the students in Hong Kong to dream big, pointing out that even from a small country, strong training programs can help produce top athletes.
Since 2013, the JC School Football Development Program has been run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club in partnership with Manchester United. The initiative promotes training through inspiration and encouragement, aiming to build up students’ physical, mental, and social skills.
So far, the program has reached over 220 kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and universities. More than 7,100 teachers, coaches, students, and parents have participated in the program’s training sessions.
A teacher from TWGHs Tsoi Wing Sing Primary School said the program helps students enjoy football while also teaching them about global sports culture. Yorke’s visit, the teacher added, gave the students a deeper understanding of international football.
On Sunday, April 13, Yorke also attended the JC School Football Development Scheme – Challenge Cup 2025, part of the Jockey Club’s 140th Anniversary celebrations. The event featured matches between teams from former partner schools, with Yorke cheering on the players and even joining them in a few games.
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