The District Football Teams Training Scheme was launched with the setting up of district football teams in 18 districts.
Officiating at the inaugural ceremony of the teams at the Mongkok Stadium, Secretary for Home Affairs Lam Woon-kwong said: 'Through hard work and intensive training, maybe some of the players here will represent Hong Kong, China in future international events such as the Olympic Games and the Asian Games.'
Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, welcomed the setting up of the teams.
A total of 936 youths - 40 field players and 12 goalkeepers from each district - were selected from a pool of 1,600 applicants after skills tests.
They will receive systematic football training until June next year.
They will also take part in in inter-district competitions for the Nike All Hong Kong Youth Football Challenge Cup, to be held from March to June next year.