From the NPL to Asian Champions League

He lit up the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition with Hills United and newly crowned Premiers NWS Spirit FC, Yu Okubo has officially been snapped up by Hong Kong Premier League and Asian Champions League 2 participants Eastern SC.

Born in Kyoto, Japan, the 28-year-old first grabbed the headlines in NSW following his move to Hills United FC in the 2024 NPL Men’s NSW season. It was there everyone saw the potential Okubo had as he scored 13 goals in what was a tough year for the club who were relegated that season.

Okubo was chased by a number of NPL Men’s NSW clubs this year but ultimately NWS Spirit FC won the race, and he proved to be one of the best signings of the season as he bagged 14 goals and played a pivotal role in the club clinching its first ever NPL Men’s NSW Premiership.

Prior to the final round, Okubo made the switch to Hong Kong where he has since linked up with his new teammates as he hopes to dominate that competition as well as the Asian Champions League 2 when that kicks off shortly.

“I’m so happy to join Eastern FC and I’m excited to be playing in the ACL 2 this year,” Okubo stated on the official Eastern SC website

“I will do my best to contribute to the team and get good results”.

NWS Spirit FC will most certainly miss one part of their star Japanese line-up as his fellow teammate Takumi Ofuka and co hope to clinch the double with the NPL Men’s NSW finals series commencing this week.

Okubo leaves behind a long list of goals that went viral on a number of instances as he lit up the NPL Men’s NSW competition in more ways than one.