The Hong Kong Premier League Committee (HKPLC) and the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) are thrilled to announce the kickoff of the first HKPL U-22 League, set to commence on October 2, 2024. This competition aims to cultivate young football talents and continue providing local youth with a pathway to professional football. Eight clubs of the Hong Kong Premier League (BC Rangers, Crownity North District, Eastern, HKFC, Kitchee, KC Southern, Lee Man & Tai Po) will participate in the first edition of the HKPL U-22 League.

Through the establishment of the HKPL U-22 League, HKPLC aims to create a competitive platform for young players who have already completed the highest age group under the current system (i.e. U-18). This will help further foster their growth and participation, transitioning into professional football. HKPLC is providing a total prize money of HKD 570,000 to encourage clubs to enhance their investment in youth programs and improve the overall competitiveness. To support young players, HKPLC will also provide monthly subsidies for a period of 10 months to three U-22 players from each participating team, helping them focus on training and development.

Through this collaboration, HKPLC and HKFA aim to create an environment where young players can thrive, develop their skills and aspire to reach the goal of becoming professional footballers. The HKPL U-22 League not only offers a platform for young players to showcase their talent but also reflects the commitment of local football stakeholders to invest in the future of Hong Kong football.

The competition will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will consist of league matches, where eight participating teams will compete in a double roundrobin format. The second phase will be FA Cup matches, where teams compete in a knockout format determined by a draw, vying for the title of cup champion.