Torrey Pines High School in San Diego and local families will play host for an tenth time to a group of Japanese student-athletes from Ritsumeikan Uji High School in Kyoto, as part of a popular annual exchange visit.
From August 4-19, the Japanese youngsters will attend classes at Torrey Pines 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.
While in Southern California, the group will attend the Rams vs Chargers NFL preseason game, watch San Diego State University football practices, tour the UCLA campus, attend a San Diego Padres game 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 will scrimmage against Lazaro Cardenas High School from Tijuana at Torrey Pines High School on Friday, August 10 at 6.30pm.
The visit marks the tenth time the progressive Japanese high school has partnered with Texas-based organizer Global Football to bring its students to the United States. Former Falcons head coach Ed Burke has played a leading role in the initiative since its inception, and his relationship with Global Football dates back to 1998 when Torrey Pines families hosted players taking part in the NFL Global Junior Championship Super Bowl event.
“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 part in that development,” said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge. “The entire Torrey Pines 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
Saturday, August 4
11am Arrive in the United States
1.30pm Tour UCLA campus
6.30pm Meet host families at Torrey Pines High School
Sunday, August 5
Spend day with host family
Monday, August 6
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Tuesday, August 7
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Wednesday, August 8
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Thursday, August 9
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Friday, August 10
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
6.30pm Scrimmage against Lazaro Cardenas High School
Saturday, August 11
Spend day with host family
Sunday, August 12
Beach day with host family
Monday, August 13
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Angels
Tuesday, August 14
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
1:30pm San Diego State campus tour and Aztecs football
Wednesday, August 15
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Thursday, August 16
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Friday, August 17
Day at Disney Adventure Park
Saturday, August 18 12pm
Los Angeles Rams vs Los Angeles Chargers preseason game
Sunday, August
19 Return home