RFYC will be participating in the 2023 edition of the Sanix Cup in Japan, starting March 15 2023.

The tournament is one of Asia’s biggest competitions for school going children and features some of the leading teams from Japan, including youth teams from some leading J-League clubs.

“Being able to participate in this tournament is a great opportunity for our players to experience Japanese culture and the elite football played even at youth level in the country.” said Arata Izumi, coach of the RFYC U-19s.

RFYC have been grouped with and will play against V Varen Nagasaki on March 15, followed by Aomori Yamada High School on March 16, and Higashi Fukuoka High School on the 17th. The winner of the group will move on to the knock-out rounds.

RFYC’s Head of Youth, Sandro Salami, is well aware of the challenge that awaits the players. “The tournament is going to be a tough experience for us, but it is also an opportunity for us to show our level. Our Academy principles dictate that players show 100% commitment at all times, and these games will be no different.”

The tournament, which will see RFYC players born in 2004 and 2005 participate,  is a part of an extended tour of Japan planned for the Young Champs. After finishing up in the tournament, the players will head over to J Green Sakai in Osaka to train and play against Tokushima Vortis, a club in the J2 league before playing Cerezo Osaka, a club in the J1 League.

In between, the players will also get to tour the sights and sounds of Japan, and get a taste of the local culture. Squad Captain Harsh Palande is looking forward to the trip. “What little I know about Japan, I know through anime. I’m looking forward to going there and experiencing first-hand what life is like over there. And, of course, as a big sushi fan, I cannot wait to go and try their authentic cuisine!”

We wish our players the very best for this trip.