Not only did this year’s Japan Cup between Barça Academies attract a huge number of teams but it also showcased the high level of football in the country. The hosts Nara were joined by the schools in Katsushika, Yokohama, Fukuoka, Aichi and Hiroshima, while they also welcomed special guests Barça Academy Manila and a team from the Campus in Taipei as well as a local club, Crear FC.
There were U9 and U11 categories, each with 12 teams competing. Barça Academy Hiroshima claimed the U9 trophy, while it was Barça Academy Fukuoka who in the U11 competition. They were held over three days of sport and Barça in which exemplary sportsmanship was displayed throughout.