The prestigious Nihon University High Schools Cup concluded in Japan last Wednesday as Northern NSW Football’s under-17s boys squad completed a five-match campaign against some of the country’s leading school teams.
The tournament was held at Toki no Sumika located at the base of Mt Fuji from 31 August to 2 September 2026.
Players were given the opportunity to test themselves across five matches against a range of high-level Japanese school teams, adapting to a different style of football.
The experience provided the players with valuable exposure to international football while representing the depth of talent across northern NSW, with the squad featuring players from six of NNSWF’s seven member zones.
Lewis Rae found the back of the net during the tournament, with the squad showing resilience and determination throughout their campaign.
The tournament features 12 of the top high schools affiliated with Nihon University. Twenty-six high schools from across Japan are affiliated with the university and compete throughout the year for the opportunity to attend the event.
NNSWF returned to the tournament after making history in 2025 as the first foreign team invited to participate.
The squad also had the chance to attend the J1 League match between Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashiwa Reysol at IAI Stadium Nihondaira before the tournament.
NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge said the tournament was a memorable experience for the players and an important opportunity for them to represent northern NSW overseas.
“It was a fantastic experience for the players and one we hope they will remember for a long time,” Doidge said.
“To have the opportunity to go to Japan, play against some of the best school teams in the country and experience a different football culture is incredibly valuable for their development.
“The players embraced everything the tournament had to offer and represented Northern NSW Football exceptionally well.
“We’re really proud of the group and the way they conducted themselves throughout the tournament and it’s exciting to see the opportunities that are being created for players across northern NSW through these international experiences.”
The tournament marked another step in NNSWF’s growing international program, giving the next generation of northern NSW players the chance to compete overseas and experience football beyond their home environment.