Youth Development
The renewal was also extended to Hong Kong Football Club Academy and Lee Man Football Club Academy, in acknowledgment of the continued progress both institutions have made in nurturing young talent and strengthening the player pathway in Hong Kong, China.
Having first achieved One-Star status in 2021, the HKFA has continuously enhanced its elite youth development structure through clear strategic planning, effective governance and strong collaboration with clubs and key stakeholders across the territory.
Following an on-site assessment conducted from May 29 to 31, the AFC delegation praised the HKFA's ability to leverage those partnerships through its Club Academy Accreditation System. By linking government funding to accreditation levels, the system has successfully created a framework that encourages clubs to continually raise standards while supporting the long-term development of elite youth football.
The assessment also highlighted the HKFA's success in fostering a collaborative culture among its academies, paving the way for them to maintain their unique identities while sharing a unified player development philosophy, a centralised player database, an accreditation framework, a talent ID system, and dedicated youth competitions.
Additionally, the HKFA’s annual end-of-season workshop was recognised as an integral platform for academy directors and coaches to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation across the ecosystem.
Further praise was reserved for the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, which continues to act as a key national training hub, while the experts also commended the introduction of FIFA-supported talent identification programmes for both boys and girls, as yet another significant step towards broadening the national player pool.
The AFC delegation also noted continued improvements to the quality of youth competitions, particularly through the Premier Youth League, alongside the unwavering commitment demonstrated by the HKFA's leadership and technical staff in delivering long-term player development.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Football Club Academy was praised for its outstanding facilities and comprehensive player pathway spanning from the U10 age group to senior football.
Consistently ranked among the territory's leading academies, the club, among its many achievements, has successfully integrated more than 10 academy graduates into its senior team.
Finally, Lee Man Football Club Academy was also hailed for the significant strides it has made in recent years. Operating age-group teams from U8 to U22, the academy was lauded for its structured development programme, strong technical leadership and clearly defined football philosophy, all of which have helped establish a sustainable pathway for players to progress into the senior ranks.
HKFA Technical Director John Morling said: "The Football Association of Hong Kong, China Limited is delighted to maintain its AFC Elite Youth Scheme One-Star membership as we continue to strengthen our player development pathway.
"We would like to extend special thanks to Takuro Hosaka, HKFA Head of Elite Youth, for his dedication and leadership, and also congratulate Lee Man FC and Hong Kong Football Club, as both clubs have shown a strong commitment to youth development in Hong Kong, China."
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