Kens SE Seeks U-11 Players for the Global Pro Academy Series 2027 in London

Introduction

Kens Sports & Education Ltd. (Kens SE) is launching an exciting opportunity for young athletes across Japan as it seeks to recruit U-11 players for the prestigious international tournament, the Pro Academy Series 2027, scheduled to be held in London in May 2027. This unique event will bring together elite teams from professional club academies across Europe, allowing selected players to experience global standards in football.

Selection Process

The selection process will identify 16 talented young players who pass through rigorous auditions and will form a dedicated Kens SE representative team. By doing so, Kens SE aims to expose these players to high-level competition and provide insights into their development as footballers.

With over 30 years of experience in the UK, particularly in the realm of football, Kens SE has established a strong network that supports players, coaches, analysts, and trainers in their overseas pursuits. This tournament will leverage those connections to ensure young athletes gain vital experience from competing against formidable opponents from various professional clubs.

Role of Coach

Leading the Kens SE team will be Sho Otsuka, who brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having triumphed in the national high school soccer championships with Toyama First High School, Otsuka further honed his skills with FC Ryukyu and played professionally abroad for about seven years. After retirement, he ventured into coaching in the UK with support from Kens SE (formerly BAREFOOT), gaining insights and expertise from top-tier coaching environments in England and the Netherlands.

His leadership is expected to foster an environment where players can genuinely assess their skills against world-class competitors.

What is Pro Academy Series?

The Pro Academy Series is a prestigious international tournament that unites youth teams from established academies, primarily from Europe. In its 2026 edition, renowned teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal FC, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and AFC Ajax are expected to participate. This presents a golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents in front of scouts and club representatives keen on identifying emerging talent.

While victory is an aspiration, the primary objective remains to allow players to evaluate their current skills against top-tier talent and formulate plans for their growth. This competition aims to help young players understand their positional standard and create benchmarks for their future development.

Goals for Participation

Kens SE firmly believes that participation serves more than just the thrill of competing abroad. It's about understanding one's own abilities in light of the global standards that exist. By playing against prestigious European academies, these young athletes will gain a clear picture of where they stand in comparison to the world's best.

Quotes from Kens SE emphasize the philosophy: "Knowing the world means understanding your own potential." This belief is rooted in years of involvement in the sports and education landscape of the UK, focusing on cultivating personal and professional growth through experiencing diverse cultures and challenges in football.

Tournament Details

The Pro Academy Series 2027 will specifically cater to U-11 category players born between September 1, 2015, and August 31, 2016. It will take place over a 6-day schedule, which includes training matches alongside the tournament games.
Key dates include:

- May 18, 2027: Departing Japan
- May 19, 2027: Arriving in London
- May 20, 2027: London sightseeing and training matches
- May 21-22: Tournament matches
- May 23: Departure to Japan

Participants can expect to engage in 9-a-side matches, playing a total of 7 scheduled matches of 20 minutes each. The estimated cost for participating, inclusive of stay and miscellaneous expenses, is around £2,000 (approximately 430,000 yen), not including airfare and travel insurance. Certain sponsorships may assist participants with financial support.

Selection Details

To participate, players born between September 1, 2015, and August 31, 2016, will be evaluated through selection events planned for October to November 2026 in Tokyo and Kanagawa. Expected dates for these selections include various weekends in late October and early November, with an entry fee of 15,000 yen.

Conclusion

Kens SE is poised to offer U-11 players a transformative experience that transcends mere competition. It seeks to cultivate their abilities in line with global standards while fostering a passion for improvement and continuous growth. As they prepare to embark on this journey, participants can look forward to the prospect of an enriching experience that could shape their future in the world of football. Through this initiative, "Kens SE empowers young athletes to reach for the stars and challenge themselves on the world stage.