Players from the Hoops’ U12s Junior Premier League squad were invited to play in the Copa Toreros, one of the world’s biggest international youth football tournaments, and the Tokyo Nations Cup. 

The invitation was facilitated by the long-standing contact in Japan of the club’s youth delivery partner Ignite Sport and made possible thanks to the generous support of Santec, Axford Engineering Services and Sweet Edibles.

Players were joined by Justin Merritt, Director of Football at Oxford City FC, Jordan Piper, Head of Junior & Youth Football, plus coaches Rocky Whiting and Matt Phillips.

Justin said playing against internationally recognised teams almost 6,000 miles from home presents a fantastic opportunity to the club’s younger players.

“It’s very exciting to travel to Japan and represent the Oxford City FC badge in the Copa Toreros for the very first time,” said Justin.

“This trip is a fantastic opportunity for our Youth and Junior players not only from a playing perspective, but also developing as individuals in an environment outside their usual surroundings.

“A big part of our ethos at Oxford City is developing the playing ability, skills and techniques of our junior players. But we place just as much emphasis on supporting players’ personal development and helping them establish skills which can be applied later in life both on and off the pitch.

“There was lots of excitement as we boarded the plane. The tour has been partly funded by the tournament’s sponsor, however we still had funds to raise and we’re very grateful to our sponsors plus the families and friends of our players whose generosity and support has made this once in a lifetime trip possible.”

Ahead of the team’s first game, Liverpool and England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold sent in a special video message wishing Hoops’ U12s good luck.

Players and staff will spend nine days in Japan including a stay at the Gotemba Kogen Resort located at the foot of Mount Fuji.

They will combine training with competitive matches and a spot of sightseeing in Tokyo and the Komazawa Olympic Park – host venue of the 1964 Olympic Games.

Hoops’ U12s JPL squad will play their group stage fixtures on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, before the Copa Toreros concludes on Sunday.

Teams participating this year include LA Galaxy, Sporting Lisbon, Yokahama Marinos and the Nepal U12 national team.

The team will then travel back to Tokyo for more sightseeing ahead of taking part in the Tokyo Nations Cup on Tuesday, April 4,^, and Wednesday, April 6.

Oxford City Head of Junior and Youth Jordan added: “To play against world-famous teams such as LA Galaxy and Sporting Lisbon will be a real treat for our young players.

“As coaches, we get a real thrill from seeing players progress their skills and confidence through the season as a result of the commitment they – and their parents – make by turning up to training and matches each week.

“We have one day to get used to our new surroundings before going straight into the tournament on Friday, which I know the team can’t wait to begin.”

Keep up to date with Oxford City U12s’ progress on social media by following @OxCityFC on Twitter.