Global Football

The City of Kawasaki and the Japan American Football Association (JAFA) has invited a US all-star team to be coached by Santa Rita High School (Tucson, AZ) head coach JEFF SCURRAN to return to Japan to take part in the second Global Challenge Bowl.

 The 45-man Team Stars & Stripes roster will be made up of a select group of US high school seniors who are top American student-athletes.  Texas-based Global Football will again assist three-time Arizona state champion coach Scurran in identifying suitable candidates for his squad and will organize the visit to Japan from March 13 to 23, 2009.

 The Global Challenge Bowl will be played on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Team Stars & Stripes will travel directly to Tokyo from Los Angeles on March 13, arrive the following day and practice through March 20, before facing Team Japan in Kawasaki Stadium.  The group will return to the United States on Monday, March 23.

 The team members will experience the ultimate in Japanese culture as they live with enthusiastic host families for the duration of their stay and visit local schools, places of historical significance and popular tourist attractions. 

 While the Japanese under-19 team will use the game as preparation for the 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship to be played in Canton, Ohio, in July of next year, Team Stars & Stripes will be focused on the value of traveling overseas, while proudly representing their country.

 “We need high school seniors with solid academic backgrounds and a high moral character,” explained Scurran.  “We are looking to recruit students who will be ambassadors for our sport, and who love playing the game known overseas as American Football.  We plan to play hard and fast, to demonstrate the high quality of football played in our country, and to come home with a victory.”

 In March 2008, a similar group of high school seniors representing 12 states and 27 high schools traveled to Kawasaki to play the Japanese U19 National Team, while enjoying the hospitality and culture of the Japanese people.  It was a very special week, culminating in the GE Global Challenge Bowl game, which was won by Japan, 24-14.  While the outcome on the scoreboard was not what many expected, the entire week left a lasting impression.

“It was an incredible experience and for many of those young men, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Scurran.  “Some of them had not flown before and others had not even ventured beyond their home state, so it was a fantastic event both culturally and on the football field.”

 Coaches or parents who feel they have a player that fits the bill, or the player himself can contact coach Jeff Scurran at japanfootballgame@yahoo.com.

 The cost of traveling to compete in the 2009 Global Challenge Bowl may be paid by the individual player, his family, or sponsors who wish to support his effort and covers all team activities from LAX departure on March 13 to the return from Japan on March 23. 

 Included in the cost of the Team Stars & Stripes visit are:

·    Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Tokyo

·    Ground transportation

·    10-day / 9 nights accommodation

·    Home stay with Japanese football players and family

·    Local cultural tours

·    American coaches and trainers on-site

·    Welcome banquet

·    Practices

·    Game in front of a 7,000 + sold out crowd

·    Game jerseys, apparel, and souvenirs

Family and friends also have an opportunity to travel and support their athlete.  Once a player is selected to compete, air and land packages will be offered on a limited basis.  All travel arrangements will be handled through Anthony Travel, Inc. in Dallas, Texas: 866-913-7169 / isaacheller@anthonytravel.com.

 About Global Football           

Headed by President Patrick Steenberge, a former Notre Dame quarterback and high school All-American at Erie Cathedral Prep.  During the past 14 years, Global Football has produced football games in 18 nations.  Working partners include USA Football, NFL, Super Bowl Host Committees, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Notre Dame, Penn State, Pop Warner, and numerous Division III colleges as well as National Football Federations worldwide.  www.globalfootball.com

TEAMS:
Global Challenge Bowl 2009 will feature national teams of 45 players, each representing Japan and the United States, playing one game. All players will be age 19 and under, with Team Stars & Stripes comprised of graduating high school seniors.

SANCTIONING BODIES:
JAFA- Japanese American Football Association and USA Football

PRODUCTION:
JAFA and Global Football, Inc.

DATES:
March 13-23, with the actual GLOBAL CHALLENGE BOWL being played Saturday, March 21.

TEAM STARS & STRIPES will travel to Tokyo on Friday, March 13 then return to the USA on Monday March 23.

SITE:
Kawasaki , Japan, just outside Tokyo
Game played in Kawasaki Stadium on Field Turf
Practices to be held in Kawasaki Stadium