A group of Japanese student-athletes from Ritsumeikan Uji High School in Kyoto will again visit San Diego as part of a popular annual educational football exchange that kicks off visit next week.
From August 4-19, the Japanese youngsters will attend classes at Cathedral Catholic High School to help improve their English language skills and will spend time on the practice field to increase their knowledge of the sport they call American football.
Ritsumeikan Uji will scrimmage against Lazaro Cardenas High School from Tijuana at Cathedral Catholic High School on Friday, August 9 at 6pm.
The visit marks the eleventh time Global Football has organized this opportunity for 18 football players and 6 athletic trainers to immerse themselves in American culture. Former Torrey Pines Falcons head coach Ed Burke has played a leading role in the initiative since its inception and will coach the youngsters along with fellow local coaching veterans Jack and Rick Ashby.
While in Southern California, the group will attend a NFL preseason game, watch San Diego State University football practices and tour the Aztecs’ campus, and visit the Disneyland Adventure Park. The initiative provides an exciting experience for local families, who will serve as hosts for the Japanese visitors, welcoming them into their homes and helping them explore the area during their stay.
“Ritsumeikan Uji High School provides an environment where students can develop through experiences inside Japan and around the world and we are delighted to play our continued part in that development,” said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge. “The entire community will again have an opportunity to expand their own world view and create new friendships as they interact with our Japanese visitors. We are always grateful and indebted to local coaching legend and educator Ed Burke and our Japanese organizer Shinzo Yamada for their hard work in helping create this experience of a lifetime for these students.”
Ritsumeikan Uji High School visit highlights
Sunday, August 4 11am Arrive in the United States
6.30pm Meet host families at Cathedral Catholic High School
Monday, August 5 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Tuesday, August 6 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Wednesday, August 7 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Thursday, August 8 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Friday, August 9 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
6pm Scrimmage against Lazaro Cardenas High School at CCHS
Saturday, August 10 Spend day with host family
Sunday, August 11 Beach day with host family
Monday, August 12 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Tuesday, August 13 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
1:30pm San Diego State campus tour and Aztecs football practice
Wednesday, August 14 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Thursday, August 15 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Friday, August 16 Classes and football practice at Cathedral Catholic High School
Saturday, August 17 Day at Disney Adventure Park
Sunday, August 18 1pm Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints preseason game
Monday, August 19 Return home
Media note:
Media wishing to attend events at Cathedral Catholic High School and interview players, coaches and organizers should contact Michael Preston: 781-363-0305 / MP@MPrestonSports.com.