For young footballers across northern NSW, opportunities to experience football at an international level can feel a long way from home.
But for five regional players and two coaches, a pathway through Northern NSW Football has provided the opportunity to experience football on an international stage.
The Nihon University High Schools Cup, delivered as part of Northern NSW Football’s developing partnership with the Nihon University, provides players with a unique opportunity to experience high-level international football while taking part in a structured development and cultural program.
In 2026, three players from North Coast Football Archie Urquhart, Bailey Webb and Caleb Senkindi were selected to represent NNSWF at the tournament.
They were joined by two players from the Northern Inland zone, Northern Inland Rangers’ Josh Rigby and Lewis Rae, highlighting the opportunities available to talented players from across the region.
The regional representation extended beyond the playing group, with Nico Bonarrigo selected as the squad’s head coach, while Northern Inland Rangers Technical Director Martin Rae was selected as assistant coach for the tournament.
For Rae, the opportunity provided a chance to experience a different football environment while representing the region on an international stage.
“Being selected as an assistant coach for the Nihon University High Schools Cup was a really special opportunity for me personally,” Rae said.
“Coming from a regional football background, opportunities to be involved in international experiences like this don’t come around very often, so I was extremely grateful to be given the chance to be part of it.”
North Coast Football Zone Manager Duncan Marchant said seeing the players selected was a proud moment for the zone and an early indication of what the partnership with Nihon University can provide for regional football.
“North Coast Football is incredibly proud to see Caleb, Bailey and Archie selected for this opportunity” Marchant said.
“This is exactly what we hoped the relationship would create - genuine international football, cultural and development opportunities for players and coaches from regional northern NSW.”
The opportunity also highlights that the benefits of the Nihon University partnership extend beyond players, providing coaches from regional areas with the chance to gain international experience and contribute to the development of northern NSW talent.
For players based outside the Hunter-based JDL system, opportunities such as the Nihon University High Schools Cup provide another avenue to challenge themselves, develop their football and experience competition on an international stage.
Rae said experiences such as the tournament can be particularly valuable for those coming through regional football.
“For regional players and coaches, these opportunities can broaden their horizons, build confidence and show them that there is a much bigger footballing world outside of their local environment,” he said.
“I think that is incredibly important, because sometimes the biggest barrier for regional athletes isn't ability, it's simply having the opportunity to experience what is possible.”
The selection of players from the North Coast and Northern Inland zones demonstrates the breadth of talent across northern NSW and the pathways available to regional players.
From regional competitions and representative football through to international tournaments and cup events, players from across the zones have opportunities to continue developing and take their football further.
The Nihon University High Schools Cup is one example of how regional players can be recognised for their talent and given the chance to experience opportunities that extend well beyond their local fields.