Recognised as a two-star member under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme, Kitchee Academy is one of Hong Kong, China’s foremost youth football institutions, providing high-quality training to over 300 players between the ages of six and 18.

With a focus on holistic player development, the academy has, over the years, prioritised education, alongside technical excellence, in equal measure. Backed by robust recruitment systems and international exchanges, the Kitchee Academy also boasts of creating a pipeline for players for not only the various age-group sides of Hong Kong, China but across the Hong Kong Premier League as well.

“In the past year, our academy has focused on several key areas, such as introducing modern training methods and sports science that meet global standards and help the institution grow further,” said Jessica Ng, Managing Director, Business and Legal of Kitchee Academy.

“Our sustained success is built on our vision for youth development and we are dedicated to continuously developing young, skilled players for Hong Kong, China. Moreover, we will continue to measure success not just by producing skilled footballers but by fostering a positive culture that serves the community and inspires the next generation across the region.”

The first women’s academy to achieve a three-star endorsement under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme, the JFA Academy Fukushima continues to set the benchmark for youth development in Japan through its exemplary on- and off-pitch programmes.

The academy has produced a remarkable number of players representing Japan across various age groups, the WE League, and the senior national team, including seven of the 22 players selected for the Olympic squad.

An advocate for a strong educational environment and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the academy places equal emphasis on technical growth and character building.

“We are incredibly proud that our academy continues to set the standard for youth development across Asia,” said Takafumi Yamaguchi, Director of JFA Academy Fukushima.

“Looking ahead, we will keep supporting our players to excel both on and off the pitch. This award is a source of pride and inspiration for our staff and players, motivating us to strive even harder for excellence.”

Few names are as familiar as Trevor Morgan’s when it comes to youth football in Australia, having served in various capacities across A-League academies and Football Australia’s development programmes.

 

With successful stints across age-groups with the national team, including a knockout stage appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil in 2019, Morgan ended Australia’s decade-long trophy drought when he guided the Young Socceroos to clinch the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ in China PR earlier this year.

 

“One of my main motivating factors in working in this space is to build confidence within the team so that we can rise to challenges and that means aiming to win every game, regardless of the opponent,” said Morgan.

 

“I always look forward to challenging myself, the staff, and the players to keep improving and to be ready for what comes next. Receiving this award is recognition of my part in what the staff and players have achieved. It is a great honour which cannot be won alone, and the satisfaction should be shared by everyone involved.”

 

“There has been tremendous progress in recent years, not just at youth level but across all tiers of the game, and the U19 Championship has played a major part in that success,” said UFA Technical Director Guy Kiala.