Aiming with the strength of mind, technique, and body as weapons
Regular position acquisition and a big goal
MF 21 Yuta SUGAWARA
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Yuta SUGAWARA, who has demonstrated outstanding talent and a highly accurate left foot at FC Tokyo U-18, has been promoted to the top team. As a member of the blue and red, the left-footed player, who is steadily growing with a clear big goal in sight, is preparing to face the professional world. How is he planning to approach this new challenge?
In the 49th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) held last summer, FC Tokyo U-18 was eliminated in the Semifinal Round after losing to Kashima Antlers Youth in a penalty shootout. Among them, Yuta SUGAWARA, who advanced from the right side toward the opponent's goal, left a strong impression. In addition to his daring attacks, he was the first to successfully score in the penalty shootout, showcasing his strong nerves.
Abundant stamina and a strong mentality. These strong points are clearly suited for the professional level. Without such qualities, one cannot compete in a top team with a large roster full of regular-class players. At FC Tokyo U-18, his main position was right wing, but what he desires in the top team is the defensive midfield position. Both positions are filled with senior players backed by achievements and experience, but he has no intention of losing.
"I think it's a very luxurious lineup. It might be a pretty high wall to win a starting spot. But my goal is not just to stand on the pitch as a starter, my goal is to play in matches and win the J.League. To get closer to that, it’s meaningless if I’m not part of the squad. I motivate myself while keeping that big goal in sight."
As a member of the blue and red, I am aware of what I should aim for. I also have a high level of consciousness. I act toward a big goal and have the mental strength to discipline myself. The fundamental strength that exists before skills and physical strength attracts the attention of those around me.
"Starting from zero. I'm determined to work hard and make plays that will stick in Coach Matsuhashi's mind, even if it's just one. Being young, I can't afford to lose when it comes to running. I want to give my all, even in the small things."
In terms of play, the "quantity" truly stands out. Although the right side is the main battlefield, the play area is wide-ranging rather than sticking to the outside. Defensively, there is high pressing upfront and pressing back in the rear, showing a willingness to work hard. The effective and abundant play, which earned the trust of Coach Yukihiko SATO at FC Tokyo U-18, has a good chance of meeting the conditions to appear in matches for the top team as well.
Of course, not only his work rate but also, as he himself says, "I kick with confidence with my left foot," his high level of skill and sense cannot be overlooked. He demonstrates technique while working hard. Yuta SUGAWARA is full of such charm.
"My goal is to win the championship with FC Tokyo, and my dream is to go abroad and become a billionaire," he boldly declares.
The reason these words don't sound like big talk is because there is an attitude of striving to build up from zero with full effort while keeping distant goals in sight. Reflecting on the current situation where players promoted from the academy have struggled to fully deliver results at the top level, he also says, "I want to work hard driven by pride and responsibility."
The left-footed player, whose organized thinking hints at great potential, aims to secure a spot on the team from his rookie year, carrying the pride and determination of an academy graduate.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
