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Local football fans are in for a special treat on Sunday 22 September when the first trophy match of the season, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Cup, is contested at Mong Kok Stadium.

The culmination of a gala afternoon of sporting fun that will also feature an equivalent under-13 challenge and an exhibition game between two teams of jockeys and football legends.

The HKJC Community Cup, sponsored by the Club for the sixth consecutive year, is a unique event that combines football with a charitable mission.

The Club believes that supporting local sports development can bring many benefits to the community, especially the younger generation, and ultimately contribute to the betterment of society. The 2019 renewal will pit last season's breakthrough league champions Wofoo Tai Po against Hong Kong FA Cup winners Kitchee, who are also the current Community Cup holders.

Full details of this year's event were unveiled at a press conference held today (20 September) by the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA).

As in previous years under the Club's sponsorship, the HKJC Community Cup will not only benefit local football but also the wider community. Wofoo Tai Po and Kitchee will contest total prize money of HK$350,000, while a further HK$300,000 will be shared by the other eight teams in the Hong Kong Premier League to help them promote local football development.

In addition, a portion of the Club's contribution and the net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to United Christian Hospital and Street Soccer Hong Kong, charitable organisations nominated by the two contestants. The Club will invite students and less-privileged people to enjoy the three games. The Club will also arrange a commentary service to visually impaired members of the Hong Kong Blind Union to allow them to experience the excitement of a live football game.

Kicking off this Sunday's programme at 3:00 pm will be an HKJC Junior Community Cup match between the under-13 champions of both the Jockey Club Youth League Div.1 and the FA Cup in 2018-19, Hong Kong Football Club Youth Team, and the runners-up in both competitions, Kitchee Youth Team. The Club hopes that giving under-13 players the opportunity to experience playing in front of a large crowd on a professional stage will help further develop their football potential.

This will be followed at 3:50 pm by an exhibition game between two teams of Hong Kong-based jockeys and former local football stars led by top jockey Joao Moreira (Joao and Friends) and renowned football commentator Peter Wong (Peter and Friends) – back on the programme this year. Moreira, who like most Brazilians is a passionate football fan, was on hand at today's press conference to help introduce the two teams and give his thoughts on this star-studded, 35-minute friendly game.

Jockeys and local football legends taking part in the exhibition game are: 

The Club has been a long-time supporter of local football development. In particular, it has collaborated with Manchester United since 2012 on a number of programmes designed to develop the physical, mental and social capabilities of young people. These include the JC School Football Development Scheme, the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme, the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, the JC Youth Football Fitness Assessment, the JC Youth Soccer Skills Challenge and the JC Elite Youth Football Camp. It also supports the Jockey Club Youth Football Development Scheme, whose summer scheme is the largest such programme in Hong Kong. In 2015, the Club announced a HK$120 million donation to support the Jockey Club HKFA 5-Year Football Development Programme, which is aimed at promoting football across the community, including futsal and women's football. In terms of infrastructure, the Club has supported the rebuilding of Hong Kong Stadium, the construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre and the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2018/19, the Club made a record return to the Government of HK$23.3 billion in duty and profits tax and contributed HK$1.3 billion to the Lotteries Fund. Approved charity and community donations were HK$4.3 billion. The Club is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer and one of the city's major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong. Please visit www.hkjc.com.