The U15 soccer team from Umina United will head overseas in September to attend Japan Camp and represent the club in a series of friendly matches.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience will help the young players develop their football skills and immerse themselves in another culture while building friendships through sport.
The team has been working hard both on and off the field to prepare and fundraising throughout the season to help cover costs.
The boys will host a barbecue and bake sale at IGA Umina from 9am-2pm on Saturday, August 23, to help boost funds.
The team will fly out to Tokyo on September 23 to play some night games and visit a school before moving into a training camp to prepare for an all-weekend tournament.
Coach Neil Cardow said it will be a great opportunity for the boys to learn a different footballing style and culture.
“Also the Umina club will benefit from these players bringing back what they learn,” he said.
“They can influence other players through either word of mouth or their actions on and off the pitch.
“I imagine it will be an exciting experience that will live with these players for the rest of their lives.”
This trip to Japan is a fantastic opportunity for such a talented and impressive group of young soccer players from the Umina Club. This trip will not only enormously benefit the players but also the Umina Soccer Club. The players will be able to mix with players from another country and experience their training routines. Enjoy this wonderful experience boys!