One of the outstanding young Hong Kong leaders chosen to visit Manchester United next month has set himself the long-term goal of unearthing talent for the city the way Barcelona discovered Lionel Messi.

Jacky Cheung Lok-hei was one of six ecstatic teenagers who discovered they were bound for the UK at the 10th Jockey Club Youth Football Leadership Scheme graduation ceremony on Sunday.

They were chosen from the 53 15-to-19-year-olds who completed the six-month programme, operated in conjunction with Manchester United. It featured, among other things, football coaching, training in how to organise football events, mentor workshops and a leadership training camp.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said he sacrificed Father’s Day celebrations to attend the graduation because “it was important to show appreciation for what all the participants had achieved”.

“Our purpose is the betterment of society: to help young people fulfil their dreams and develop leadership skills,” Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

“We believe sport is a key enabler to make you a better person and better leader.”