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Kitchee Academy in Hong Kong received its two-star membership under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme in June 2023.
In 2021, Kitchee Academy received recognition as a one-star member and has since made remarkable strides towards its overall development.
Upon making a visit earlier this year, the AFC Youth Panel assessors were satisfied with the significant efforts put in by the Academy to provide the students with the best facilities to ensure their developmental needs not only in terms of training are met but have also laid emphasis on their nutrition and well-being of their mental health.
With the aim of the Academy, being solely focused on creating a pipeline of talented youth players for the senior national teams and clubs, Kitchee Academy has devised a three-tiered training structure, divided into a Fundamental Phase (U7 to U10), Developmental Phase (U11 to U16), and Performance Phase (U16 to U18).
The Academy’s facilities also underwent noticeable refurbishments and now boast of a new sports clinic, a high-quality multi-purpose artificial pitch, as well as a dedicated kitchen staff to monitor the diet and nutritional requirements of the youth players.
The panel members were particularly impressed with the Academy’s focus on accelerating the progress of talented youth players in order for them to build successful careers as professional footballers, and commended the hard work put in by the Kitchee Academy staff.
Pleased with the recognition of the two-star membership, Kitchee Academy founder Mr. Ken K. Ng said: “It is such a great honour. We have made several improvements and the pursuance of the two-star certification provided the impetus to improve our academy, which will ultimately benefit our young players.”
The diligence of the Academy also received high praises from the Football Association of Hong Kong, China Limited (HKFA) who vowed to provide support to the club in the years to come.
“The HKFA is committed to youth development and is delighted that the Kitchee Academy has been endorsed with the AFC Elite Youth Scheme 2-Star Accreditation.
“We will continue to strengthen our necessary collaborations to build a stronger foundation for grooming young talents,” hailed Joaquin Tam Chau Long, Chief Executive Officer cum Acting General Secretary of HKFA.
