08/09/2026
π―π΅β½οΈ RANGERS IN JAPAN! β½οΈπ―π΅
What an incredible experience for Lewis Rae, Josh Rigby and our Technical Director, who recently travelled to Japan as part of the Northern NSW Football U17 Representative Team competing in the 2026 Nihon University High Schools Cup at Toki no Sumika, near the base of Mt Fuji.
For Lewis and Josh, it was a fantastic opportunity to represent Northern NSW Football, Northern Inland Rangers FC and the Northern Inland region on an international stage, while experiencing a completely different footballing and cultural environment.
And what an experience it was. π―π΅
On and off the field, the players had the opportunity to challenge themselves, learn from a different football culture, build friendships with players from other countries and teams, and experience Japanese culture β including plenty of great Japanese food! π
Most importantly, they were able to step outside their comfort zones and experience something that will undoubtedly stay with them for many years to come.
We are incredibly proud of Lewis and Josh for earning this opportunity through their dedication, commitment and hard work.
A special congratulations to Lewis, who was awarded Captaincy of the tour by his teammates β a fantastic accolade and a wonderful reflection of the respect he earned within the group. ππ
Our Technical Director reflected on the experience:
βThe opportunities are endless. Experiences like this provide young players and coaches from regional areas with exposure to a completely different footballing and cultural environment, and for some, it may be an experience they never get the opportunity to have again.β
One of the biggest takeaways was seeing first-hand the standards within the Japanese football environment β particularly the emphasis on technical ability, game understanding, work rate, discipline, behaviour and respect.
What stood out most was the focus of the players.
Their attention was on themselves, their teammates and the task in front of them β and on performing that task to an extremely high level. They weren't concerned with what the opposition was doing, what other teams or coaches were doing, or anything outside their control.
Their focus was on their own performance and development.
It was fantastic to see so many players and coaches completely invested in getting better and creating an environment where development was the priority.
For our players, being able to experience that environment first-hand provides lessons that simply cannot be replicated by hearing about them. It gives them something to learn from, aspire towards and take back into their own football.
For coaches, these experiences are equally valuable. They challenge us to look at our own methods, question what we do and learn from different approaches to coaching, player development and the overall football environment.
This is exactly why opportunities like this are so important for regional football.
Sometimes the biggest barrier for regional athletes isn't ability β it's opportunity and exposure.
Being part of Northern Inland Rangers FC and the Premier Youth League pathway can help provide our players with opportunities to experience football beyond our local environment, broaden their horizons and see what is possible.
We are incredibly proud to see our players taking these opportunities with both hands.
Well done Lewis and Josh! ππ
We hope you had an unforgettable experience, challenged yourselves, learned plenty and came home with memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Keep pushing. Keep learning. Keep believing.
The opportunities really are endless. πβ½οΈ
