The Jockey Club Active City Project — Street Football Carnival electrified Tuen Mun Town Plaza this past weekend, transforming the shopping center into a vibrant urban football arena. Organized by the Hong Kong Playground Association and funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the four-day event combined competitive football, interactive games, technology, and youth development in one high-energy package.
2-on-2 Celebrity Exhibition Match
Media day featured a 2-on-2 Football Celebrity Exhibition Match with players from the Yinghua Women’s Football Team, actress Chan Lok-lam, and singer Mona Ng facing off against graduates of the Jockey Club Active City five-a-side football training program. The fast-paced matches demonstrated sharp attacking transitions and tight defense. More than entertainment, the exhibition marked an important milestone for trainees moving from practice to real competition — showcasing improved skills, teamwork, and confidence built through the program.
Cage Soccer, Bubble Football, and Interactive Zones
The carnival featured multiple interactive zones including shooting, dribbling, passing, and heading challenges, plus freestyle football workshops. Crowd favorites included Cage Soccer and Bubble Football, where participants experienced high-tempo street football in safe, padded environments. One-on-one timed challenges added a competitive edge for thrill-seekers of all ages and skill levels.
3D Printing and Sports Innovation
In a creative crossover between sport and technology, the carnival hosted 3D printing workshops led by trainees from the “Sport + Career” industry training program. Participants learned to design and create their own custom climbing carabiners, demonstrating how sports and innovation can come together to build practical skills for young people.
Building an Active Community
Yiu Yik-ming, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Playground Association, said: “We hope that through the Jockey Club Active City Project, we can bring sports from large-scale events into everyday life, allowing citizens to engage in physical activity anytime, anywhere in their communities.” Over the past three years, the initiative has hosted major sports carnivals at shopping centers including The Wai, MegaBox, and The Twins, plus land-and-water orienteering events at HarbourChill in Wan Chai.
The project promotes FIT Hubs — venues providing free space and equipment so residents can exercise without bringing their own gear. Sessions are primarily held on Friday evenings, turning “Happy Friday” into a healthier “FIT FRIDAY.”
Hong Kong’s Growing Street Sports Scene
With research showing over 65% of Hong Kong residents don’t exercise regularly, street football and urban sports programs are vital for lowering participation barriers. The Active City Project, supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, brings together partners including the Hong Kong Playground Association, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Streetathon Foundation, and the Hong Kong Education University.
For teams and clubs participating in street sports events, custom-printed jerseys, team shirts, and sports uniforms are a great way to build team identity and spirit. Whether organizing a cage soccer league, a bubble football tournament, or a school sports day, matching custom apparel makes the experience more memorable and professional.
The Active City Project continues its mission to encourage Hongkongers of all ages to meet the World Health Organization’s recommended weekly physical activity levels — one community event at a time.