The 2026 Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Youth Football Exchange Tournament opened on Saturday in Qingyuan, a city in Guangdong province, marking the start of a three‑day competition that brings together roughly 200 young athletes from twelve teams representing the three regions.
Matches will be played in a five‑a‑side format, giving the participants a fast‑paced environment to showcase their skills while fostering camaraderie across the border.
Since its inception in 2018, the tournament has become a cornerstone of youth cultural and sporting exchange, using football as a bridge that connects communities and encourages mutual understanding.
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Chen Liwen, director of the Guangdong Provincial Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, said the province remains committed to expanding exchange programmes that go beyond sport, including visits to military barracks and corporate sites, to give young people a broader perspective on their shared future.
During the opening week, the players toured the Qingyuan Maglev Transportation Company and the Qingyuan Museum, experiences that blended athletic ambition with exposure to local heritage and technological innovation.
Organizers say the ultimate aim of the event is to deepen interaction among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao youth, laying groundwork for lasting friendships and collaborative initiatives that extend well beyond the final whistle.