Torrey Pines High School in San Diego will play host for an eighth time to a group of Japanese student-athletes from Ritsumeikan Uji High School in Kyoto, as part of a unique exchange visit.
From August 8-20, 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 a Los Angeles Rams preseason game, watch San Diego State University and UCLA football practices, tour Hollywood and visit Disneyland. 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 play a scrimmage against CETYS Universidad from Mexico at 5pm at Torrey Pines High School on Friday, August 18.
The visit marks the ninth time the progressive Japanese high school has partnered with Texas-based organizer Global Football to bring its students to the United States, and returns to San Diego for the first time since 2014. 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 hosted Mexican 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 have a unique opportunity to expand their own world view and create new friendships as they interact with our Japanese visitors. We are again grateful to local coaching legend and educator Ed Burke for his hard work in helping create this experience of a lifetime for these students.”
Ritsumeikan Uji High School visit highlights
Tuesday, August 8
4pm Arrive in the United States and meet host families
Wednesday, August 9
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Thursday, August 10
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
3pm Attend San Diego State University football practice
Friday, August 11
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Saturday, August 12
Tour Hollywood
Attend UCLA football practice
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams NFL preseason game
Sunday, August 13
Spend day with host family
Mon 14 – Thu 17
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
Friday, August 18
Classes and football practice at Torrey Pines High School
5pm Scrimmage against vs. CETYS Universidad from Mexico
Saturday, August 19
Day at Disneyland
Sunday, August 20
Return home