IMG Academy Football’s Japan Trip: A Cultural & Athletic Milestone for the Ascender Elite

In late April 2025, the IMG Academy Ascender Elite Football team embarked on a historic journey to Japan for the Ascender Elite Global Bowl 2025, held on April 26 in Osaka. This trip, a collaboration with Global Football, was more than an exhibition game—it was a transformative experience that bridged cultures, showcased athletic excellence, and left a lasting impact on both the IMG Academy community and the landscape of American football in Japan.

Activities During the Japan Trip

The centerpiece of the trip was the Ascender Elite Global Bowl 2025, where IMG Academy’s Ascenders faced off against the Keimei Gakuin Saints, a respected Japanese team, in a highly anticipated matchup. The game, held in Osaka, showcased the Ascenders’ dynamic style against the Saints’ precision and intensity, offering fans a thrilling display of international competition. The Ascender Elite team came out on top 28-15. Beyond the game itself, the trip was packed with activities designed to foster cultural exchange and personal growth for the student-athletes.

• Cultural Immersion: For many Ascenders, this was their first time traveling to Japan. They engaged in cultural activities such as visiting historical sites, participating in traditional Japanese ceremonies, and exploring local cuisine. These experiences allowed the athletes to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, fostering empathy and global awareness.
• Football Clinics and Exchanges: The Ascenders participated in football clinics alongside Japanese players and coaches. These sessions provided opportunities for both groups to share techniques, strategies, and approaches to the game. IMG’s coaching staff introduced their development-focused methods, while Japanese players showcased their disciplined and technical style, creating a two-way learning environment.
• Community Engagement: The team connected with local communities in Osaka, visiting schools and interacting with youth interested in American football. These interactions inspired young Japanese athletes and strengthened ties between IMG Academy and Japan-based programs.
• Team Bonding: The trip also served as a bonding experience for the Ascenders, who navigated new environments together, reinforcing teamwork and camaraderie. The shared journey of representing IMG on an international stage deepened their sense of purpose and pride.

Impact on the IMG Academy Community

The Japan trip aligned seamlessly with IMG Academy’s core values of excellence, integrity, and personal growth, leaving a profound impact on its student-athletes, coaches, and broader community.

• Personal and Athletic Growth: For the Ascenders, the trip was a transformative milestone. Competing against a formidable opponent like the Keimei Gakuin Saints challenged them to elevate their game, while cultural immersion broadened their perspectives. As Kyle Brey, Director of Football at IMG Academy, noted, “It’s not just a trip—it’s a moment of growth, both personally and athletically.” Many athletes returned as more versatile and empathetic individuals, better prepared for college and life beyond the field.
• Global Recognition: The trip amplified IMG Academy’s global presence, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in sports education. The collaboration with Global Football and the successful execution of the Global Bowl highlighted IMG’s ability to push boundaries and create meaningful international opportunities. This has sparked increased interest from Japan-based programs and athletes, opening doors for future exchanges.
• Community Pride: The IMG Academy community, from students to staff, rallied behind the Ascenders’ journey. The buzz around representing IMG on an international stage fostered a sense of unity and pride. The trip also reinforced IMG’s mission to develop global citizens who use sport to connect and inspire, as Brey emphasized: “This kind of experience reinforces what IMG Academy is all about: pushing boundaries, developing global citizens, and using sport as a tool to connect, inspire, and elevate others.”

Impact on Football in Japan

American football in Japan, with roots dating back to the 1930s, has a dedicated following through the X-League and collegiate programs, though it often takes a backseat to baseball and soccer. The Ascenders’ visit introduced a new level of competition and exposure, promising to elevate the sport’s profile and inspire growth.

• Inspiration for Players and Coaches: The matchup against the Ascenders exposed Japanese players and coaches to IMG’s high-performance training methods and dynamic playing style. This exchange encouraged local teams to refine their techniques and strategies, potentially raising the competitive standard of Japanese football.
• Increased Interest and Participation: The high-profile game, coupled with community engagement activities, captivated local fans and youth. The Ascenders’ presence in Osaka is likely to spark greater interest in American football, encouraging more young athletes to take up the sport. This could lead to a surge in participation, further embedding football into Japan’s cultural fabric.
• Strengthening Global Connections: The trip laid the groundwork for deeper ties between IMG Academy and Japanese football programs. The increased interest from Japan-based programs suggests potential for future collaborations, such as reciprocal visits or joint training camps, fostering a two-way exchange that benefits both nations’ football communities.

“It was truly a privilege to be a part of the Ascender Elite trip to Japan. More than just a game, it was a chance to open the future for these young leaders – and we’re proud to have shared that journey with you. Excited for what’s ahead and looking forward to keeping this momentum going together!” – Shinzo Yamada, Tsukuba University, Director of Athletics, Global Football Japan Director

With the joint practice on Thursday being held at Ritsumeikan Uji High School, the same place that Laguna Beach HS practiced in July 2024, and having now met with the IMG leaders, there is keen interest among many Japanese schools to experience a weeklong game on the IMG Academy campus in Bradenton, Florida. The Uji Panthers football team has enjoyed many years of summer camps in America organized by Global Football, dating back to 2007.

A Legacy of Mutual Enrichment

The Ascender Elite Global Bowl 2025 was more than a game—it was a powerful bridge between nations, uniting the IMG Academy Ascenders and the Keimei Gakuin Saints in a shared pursuit of excellence. For the IMG community, the trip was a moment of pride and growth, reinforcing their commitment to developing well-rounded global citizens. In Japan, it planted seeds for the continued rise of American football, inspiring players, coaches, and fans alike.

As the Ascenders stepped onto the field in Osaka on April 26, they carried IMG Academy’s legacy of excellence, leaving behind lessons in discipline and sportsmanship. In return, they brought home experiences that will shape them for years to come. The echoes of this visit may resonate for generations, proving that sport can transcend borders and create lasting change.

“Thank you to everyone who supported the Ascender Elite trip to Japan. Your leadership will have a lasting impact on the IMGA Football program, our players, and their families. This was so much more than just an international game – it embodied our commitment to the holistic development of our young men as Global Ambassadors of American Football and, ultimately, as global citizens – qualities that will serve them well beyond their football careers. On behalf of IMGA Football, thank you for your dedication to providing an unforgettable experience for our players, staff, and families. We look forward to partnering with you again in the future.” – Matt Lane, Assistant Director of Football, IMG Academy

For more information on IMG Academy’s global initiatives, visit www.imgacademy.com.