The Japan Football Association (JFA) announced a new international development project on May 11 during a press conference in Tokyo. In partnership with SCO Group, the federation will launch the JFA × SCO GROUP “FUTURE CAMP” inspired by BLUE LOCK, a football initiative linked to the popular anime and manga franchise BLUE LOCK.
Official Visual:
The project is designed to discover talented Japanese players living overseas and strengthen the future of Japanese football. Described as an “overseas version of the National Training Center”, the program expands JFA’s existing scouting and player development system beyond Japan to identify young talents capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport.
Inspired by the themes of BLUE LOCK, the project will focus on “individual awakening” and the ambition to become “the best in the world”, encouraging players to develop confidence, personality, and competitive spirit.
During the press conference, JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said that the federation has received many inquiries regarding young Japanese players developing abroad. He added that launching this initiative together with BLUE LOCK is especially meaningful because the series represents the strong desire to reach the top level of world football.
Yusuke Tamai, Chairman of SCO Group, also spoke at the event, explaining that the company joined the project with the belief that supporting the future of Japanese football is an important mission.
The first edition of FUTURE CAMP will take place from August 3 to August 6, 2026, at Great Park in Irvine, targeting U-16 players born between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011.
FUTURE CAMP Overview:
| Dates | August 3 (Mon) – August 6 (Thu), 2026 |
| Venue | Great Park8000 Great Park Blvd.Irvine, CA 92618 United States |
| Eligibility | Players Must:Be born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 Hold Japanese nationality, have at least one parent with Japanese nationality, or be eligible to obtain Japanese nationality Current place of residence is not restricted |
| Participants | Approximately 25 players (22 field players, 2–4 goalkeepers) |
| Program | Evaluation by JFA coaches through training sessions, training matches, and physical assessments. |
| Staff | 10 JFA coaches and 5 U-15 Japan national team candidates dispatched |
| Organizer | Japan Football Association (JFA) |
| Gold Partner | SCO Group Co., Ltd. |
| Official Page | https://www.jfa.jp/youth_development/jfa_future_camp/ |
Selection Process Schedule:
| Application Period | May 11 (Mon) – June 12 (Fri), 2026 |
| How to Apply | Applications can be submitted via the online form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1P4jmye48gm-dYvx0s_KAwvAze9WQwKLCK0nLfKepOJ0/edit?ts=69e2424c |
| Step 1: Document Review | Assessment of current club affiliation, activity category, league participation, and past selection history to evaluate the player’s activity environment |
| Step 2: Video Review | Comprehensive evaluation of technical ability, decision-making, individual tactics, and athletic ability based on submitted gameplay footage |
| Results | Late June 2026 |
Sources: Press Release, JFA
©JFA © Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, Kodansha/”Blue Lock” Production Committee
————
AnimeTV チェーン bringing you the latest anime news direct from Japan ~ anytime! — Your new source of information!
 announced a new international development project on May 11 during a press conference in Tokyo. In partnership with SCO Group, the federation will launch the JFA × SCO GROUP "FUTURE CAMP" inspired by BLUE LOCK, a football initiative linked to the popular anime and manga franchise BLUE LOCK.){kind=link}