XENIA – Two Wilmington College football players are headed to China to represent the United States.

Seniors Linden Ayoki (Cincinnati, OH/LaSalle) and Grant Brown (Stoutsville, OH/Amanda Cleercreek) will be part of a contingent of 40 players and 10 coaches whom are participating in the East Asia Bowl today (February 10, 2017) in Shenzgen, China. The game will be played in the 40,000-seat Boa'an Stadium, and will be available on television to 20 million Chinese homes.

The players have spent nearly a week in China practicing with the other players.

Football Coaches International is facilitating two teams of university age players from NCAA & NAIA rosters who will represent the United States and compete with developing East Asian Players.

"We're excited to expose these student-athletes to both global competition and character and leadership development which will help equip them for a lifetime of success on and off the field," said Clint Mahan, director of Football Coaches International. "I'm also looking forward to connecting and learning globally where American football seems to be exploding in popularity."

The U.S. players and coaches will split into two teams and the East Asian players will have a two-day try-out to determine whether they get drafted onto one of these two teams.

Virginia Union head coach Mark James and Franklin head coach Mile Leonard are guiding the two teams. Morningside head coach Steve Ryan is also participating in the game.