JFA \u00d7 SCO GROUP \u201cFUTURE CAMP inspired by BLUE LOCK\u201d \u00a9JFA<\/p>\n
The first FUTURE CAMP will take place August 3\u20136, 2026 in Irvine, California, marking the JFA’s first large-scale overseas talent identification program. The initiative expands the association’s traditional domestic scouting framework to identify and support players developing outside Japan.<\/p>\n
“Football is becoming borderless, and the era when Japanese players develop solely within Japan is over,” said Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, president of the Japan Football Association and former captain of the Japan national team. “We hope this initiative will help us connect with talented players around the world and support their growth within Japanese football.”<\/p>\n
The program will provide selected youth athletes with opportunities to train and be evaluated by JFA coaches through training sessions, match play, and physical and technical assessments. Organizers say the initiative is designed to strengthen connections with players who hold Japanese nationality, have at least one Japanese parent, or may be eligible for Japanese nationality in the future.<\/p>\n
The program has been described as an international extension of Japan’s National Training Center development model, creating new pathways for overseas-based players to engage with Japan’s national football structure.<\/p>\n
The initiative is being launched in collaboration with the globally popular soccer manga and anime franchise BLUE LOCK, which has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide as of October 2025. Known for its themes of ambition, self-discovery, and competitive excellence, the series’ message of striving to become the world’s best striker serves as a symbolic inspiration for the program.<\/p>\n
“Ever since the anime adaptation was greenlit, the entire anime staff has genuinely aimed to create a work that changes the world,” said Ryoya Arisawa, producer of the BLUE LOCK anime adaptation.<\/p>\n
“The egoists we imagine might actually exist in this real world\u2026 no, I’m sure they do,” said Yusuke Nomura, illustrator of Blue Lock. “We’re waiting for applications from all those who believe: ‘I am the world’s greatest striker.'”<\/p>\n
Muneyuki Kaneshiro, the original creator of BLUE LOCK, added: “A real-life BLUE LOCK is about to begin. I was creating manga with everything I had, and it linked with the dreams of passionate football people, and a real plan was born. I hope this becomes a place for discovering talent that surpasses even BLUE LOCK itself.”<\/p>\n
Following the inaugural camp in the United States, the JFA plans to expand FUTURE CAMP to Europe, Asia, and other regions as part of its broader effort to strengthen Japan’s global scouting network.<\/p>\n
FUTURE CAMP \u2014 Event Details<\/p>\n
Dates<\/p>\n
August 3 (Mon) \u2013 August 6 (Thu), 2026<\/p>\n
Venue<\/p>\n
Great Park<\/p>\n
8000 Great Park Blvd.<\/p>\n
Irvine, CA 92618<\/p>\n
United States<\/p>\n
Eligibility<\/p>\n
Players Must:<\/p>\n
Be born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011
\n Hold Japanese nationality, have at least one parent with Japanese nationality, or be eligible to obtain Japanese nationality <\/p>\n
Current place of residence is not restricted<\/p>\n
Participants<\/p>\n
Approximately 25 players (22 field players, 2\u20134 goalkeepers)<\/p>\n
Program<\/p>\n
Evaluation by JFA coaches through training sessions, training matches, and physical assessments.<\/p>\n
Staff<\/p>\n
10 JFA coaches and 5 U-15 Japan national team candidates dispatched<\/p>\n
Organizer<\/p>\n
Japan Football Association (JFA)<\/p>\n
Gold Partner<\/p>\n
SCO Group Co., Ltd.<\/p>\n
Official Page<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.jfa.jp\/youth_development\/jfa_future_camp\/<\/a><\/p>\n Selection Process Schedule<\/p>\n Application Period<\/p>\n May 11 (Mon) \u2013 June 12 (Fri), 2026<\/p>\n How to Apply<\/p>\n Applications can be submitted via the online form:<\/p>\n
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