IMG Academy’s Ascender Elite Football team to travel to Japan – The Ascender Elite Global Bowl 2025

By Jess Gryder

In late April 2025, the IMG Academy Ascender’s Elite football team embarks on a groundbreaking journey to Japan, a trip that promises to be more than just an exhibition game.

This voyage, born from an enhanced collaboration with Global Football, marks a significant moment for the prestigious sports education brand based in Bradenton, Florida. The Ascenders, renowned for their disciplined and high-performing student-athletes, will face off against the Keimei Gakuin Saints in the Ascender Elite Global Bowl 2025 Japan, set for April 26 in Osaka. Showcasing their skills against this formidable Japanese team, IMG brings their talent to a nation where American football is steadily carving out a niche. This trip aligns seamlessly with IMG Academy’s core values—excellence, integrity, and personal growth—while amplifying their global presence and influence.

Trip Context and Details

The partnership with Global Football, a leader in expanding American football globally, elevates this trip for IMG Academy beyond a simple athletic event, showcasing their commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and global ambassadors. This marks Global Football’s third Ambassadors Bowl type of event in Japan, a country where they’ve collaborated for over two decades. In 2009 Global Football created the Tokyo Bowl, which was a game led by legendary coach Lou Holtz. With support from California high schools, Global Football has also facilitated player exchanges for Ritsumeikan Uji Panthers seniors, strengthening U.S.-Japan football ties. Through the Ascender Elite Global Bowl 2025, IMG reinforces its reputation as a pioneer in sports education, bridging cultures, fostering growth, and opening doors to new opportunities for aspiring athletes.

Impact

In Japan, where American football has roots dating back to the 1930s, this visit—and particularly the matchup against the Keimei Gakuin Saints—promises to leave a lasting impact. The sport, though often overshadowed by baseball and soccer, has a dedicated following, with the X-League and collegiate programs steadily growing. The arrival of IMG Academy’s elite team in Osaka introduces a new level of competition and exposure, inspiring Japanese players and coaches to refine their techniques and strategies. Local fans, accustomed to the precision and intensity of their domestic teams like the Saints, will witness the Ascenders’ dynamic style on April 26, potentially sparking greater interest and participation in the sport. This exchange could catalyze a surge in American football’s popularity, encouraging more youth to take up the game and deepening its cultural footprint in Japan.

For the IMG Academy student-athletes, this trip is a transformative experience that extends far beyond the field. Immersed in Japan’s rich culture—visiting historic sites, tasting local cuisine, and interacting with their Japanese counterparts, including the Saints—they’ll gain a broader perspective on life and teamwork. This aligns with IMG’s core value of personal growth, as the players develop resilience, adaptability, and cultural awareness, traits that will serve them in college football and beyond. Facing a skilled opponent like Keimei Gakuin also sharpens their skills, preparing them for the challenges of higher-level play while fostering bonds that transcend borders.

Kyle Brey, Director of Football at IMG Academy, had this to say regarding the upcoming Ascender Elite Global Bowl.

“This trip to Japan is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we believe it will have a meaningful and lasting impact on everyone involved. From the student-athlete perspective, there’s a real buzz around the opportunity to represent IMG Academy on an international stage. For many of these athletes, it’s their first time traveling abroad, and they understand the significance of carrying the IMG flag while embracing a new culture and style of football. It’s not just a trip—it’s a moment of growth, both personally and athletically. From a broader perspective, this initiative opens the door for deeper relationships in the global football community. We’ve already seen an increase in interest from Japan-based programs and athletes, and this experience will only strengthen that bridge. Our goal is to create a two-way exchange—where our student-athletes gain valuable cultural insight, and local players and coaches in Japan get to learn from our approach to development.”

Brey also echoed the sentiments made on this trip aligning to IMG’s core values.

“This kind of experience reinforces what IMG Academy is all about: pushing boundaries, developing global citizens, and using sport as a tool to connect, inspire, and elevate others. It’s a powerful step forward for the game and for our community.”

Conclusion

The story of this journey is one of mutual enrichment. As the Ascenders step onto the field in Osaka on April 26, they carry IMG Academy’s legacy of excellence, leaving behind lessons in discipline and sportsmanship. In return, they bring home experiences that shape them into more versatile, empathetic individuals. The collaboration with Global Football not only strengthens IMG’s brand but also plants seeds for future international ventures, solidifying their role as a global leader in sports education. In Japan, the echoes of this visit—and the Ascender Elite Global Bowl 2025 Japan—may resonate for years, nudging American football closer to the mainstream and proving that sport can be a powerful bridge between nations.