The JFA Premier Cup 2014 supported by NIKE will start its matches on Saturday 3 May to decide the best U-15 team in Japan.

This year is the 18th time of the JFA Premier Cup history, and the competition has been open to all teams of the generation from the junior youth teams owned by the J-League clubs to local club teams to football teams of junior high schools which belong to Nippon Junior High School Physical Culture Association.

The notable teams competing in this year are the defending champion Omiya Ardija Junior Youth (Saitama), and Urawa Reds Junior Youth (Saitama), the winner of last winter’s The 25th Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Youth (U-15) Football Championship. Participating teams consist of 10 J-League club academy teams, the only local club this year, F.C. CORMORUNT (Kagawa), and the only junior high school team, Aomori Yamada Junior High School (Aomori). The twelve elite teams from nine regions all survived their local tournaments and battle in this first nationwide U-15 event of the year. The outcome will surely affect the matches and events for the rest of this season as well.

The JFA Premier Cup also has its connection to “the world”. The champion team will get the spot in the Manchester United Premier Cup World Finals 2014 where worlds’ best clubs gather and play against each other. The matches to play against the teams from all over the world in Manchester, UK will give players precious international experience and take them to the next level in their career.

Last year, it was Omiya that got the prestigious opportunity. Although lost in the group round, their final record was two wins, one loss and one draw and impressively enough, it was in the group together with likes of world-famous Borussia Dortmund (Germany) and Arsenal (England). We cannot wait to see which team win the JFA Premier Cup 2014 supported by NIKE, three-day even from 3 May, and advance to the international competition.

JFA Premier Cup 2014 supported by NIKE

Saturday 3th, Sunday 4th, and Monday 5th May, 2014
J GREEN SAKAI, Osaka Prefecture
Information on JFA Premier Cup 2014 supported by NIKE is here.