NEWSNews

2022.1.14[Fan Zone]

[Club Support Member] FC Tokyo 2021 Season Report



Thank you for your continued support during the 2021 season. We would like to report on the achievements of the academy supported by our club support members in 2021.

□Report from the Secretariat
The 2021 season, which was fought under the pandemic, continued to have home games under restrictions, and we sincerely thank everyone for their support. Although the top team did not achieve the expected results, during the busy schedule at the beginning of the season, many U-18 players participated in the Levain Cup matches and contributed to the team's victories, showcasing a united front of the club. Additionally, the U-15 Musashi academy won the 36th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-15), allowing us to show steady progress to everyone. Furthermore, for the 2022 season, U-18 players Kojiro YASUDA, Yuki KAJIURA, and Leon NOZAWA have been promoted. Shuto OKANIWA, who excelled at Meiji University after going through U-15 Fukagawa and U-18, will also join. Your long-term support has become the strength of the club. We would like to express our gratitude once again. Below, we report the financial results for the club support members for the 2021 season, supported by your annual fees.
FC Tokyo's various categories are starting to move towards the next season. We appreciate your continued support for the 2022 season.







Looking back on the 2021 season, we were unable to achieve satisfactory results as a team, including the quality of our football. This is my honest feeling as a coach. Even amidst many ongoing restrictions, we could not increase the intensity of our training or provide stimulation both on and off the pitch. I reflect on whether we could have developed individuals more or made them more resilient. However, the players truly worked hard every day and fought with determination. I feel that this is also a tradition rooted in the club.

In recent years, the system of allowing many U-18 players to participate in top team practices while also utilizing U-15 players in official youth matches has become smoother, breaking down the barriers between categories. As a result, three players will be promoted to the top team this year, but that is not an easy feat. I hope the club continues to create an environment that consistently produces professionals, including those coming through universities.

Since joining FC Tokyo, I have had the opportunity to serve as a coach and manager for all youth development age groups, including U-23. I am truly grateful to have spent the last 10 years considering what is required for each level. At Musashi, where I was first involved with FC Tokyo, players like Go HATANO and Yoshitake SUZUKI were in their second year. Later, players like Takefusa KUBO and Taichi HARA emerged, who are now playing overseas, and I look forward to their continued growth.

However, while the primary goal is to produce professionals as a J-League club, my personal ideal is to be able to play soccer in any situation and with anyone. I want to nurture people who love soccer and can enjoy it, including the competitive aspect. Last year, graduates who have continued playing soccer as adults after going from U-18 to university have started to appear, and I feel joy in the increasing number of people involved in soccer.

The support from all our club support members has truly been generous and reassuring. I regret not being able to greet you in person, but I sincerely appreciate it and would be grateful for your continued support in the future.

【Record】
Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2021 EAST 6th place
Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer League 2021 Tokyo Division 1 8th place
45th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) Best 8






The 2021 season for Fukagawa left a sense of regret in terms of results. However, the team had players who were the most serious in Fukagawa's history, steadily building their approach to soccer, practice, and preparation for matches. They gave the impression of being a cohesive team without any ups and downs. Originally, the third-year students were serious but often quiet, lacking in demanding rigor from those around them, expressing their thoughts, and drawing out the ideas of others—elements that are essential in team sports. This was a generation that needed to improve in these areas to aim for the professional world. Over the past year, we focused on that improvement and were able to see changes. Furthermore, I feel that many players are now in a position where they can truly be expected to excel, both physically and mentally.

In the Kanto League Division 1, we fought until the end to avoid relegation, and I reflect on the fact that we still lacked strength in that regard. Nevertheless, each player had an overwhelming feeling of "As FC Tokyo, we cannot be relegated. It is for the sake of our juniors." With the regulations changing, we battled through a tough league where 3 out of 10 teams would be relegated after 9 matches, and being able to finish with survival is sure to be an important experience in their football lives. Especially the growth in the last 3 matches was remarkable; there was a noticeable increase in the intensity of training, and each day felt like we were becoming stronger with every match played. I conveyed to the players that as they move on to various teams, it would be great if they could continue to compete for championships, but there may also be situations where they face relegation battles like this. I want them to remember that they were able to give their all even in such circumstances. I also told the third-year students this year, "Make sure to return to Ajinomoto someday."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold training camps or go on trips abroad. Under those circumstances, participating in the 'Intercity Cup' tournament in the summer became a very positive experience. We took measures such as having single rooms for accommodation and meals while watching on Zoom, but we were able to ride the team bus together and share time as a team before and after matches, which helped us build strong bonds. Additionally, during the winter 'Emperor's Cup All Japan Youth', it was truly a long-awaited moment for fans and supporters to come and watch, and I felt deeply grateful for that. Because of this, I also have regrets about wanting to win so that we could fight longer, but the support we received has certainly been a source of motivation and encouragement for the players, leading to their growth. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the club support members for their ongoing support and encouragement.

【Record】
6th place in the 2021 Kanto Youth (U-15) Soccer League Division 1
6th place (provisional) in the 2021 Kanto Youth (U-13) Soccer League Division 1A League
* As of January 12, this is a provisional ranking due to one match not yet played.
Takamado Trophy JFA 33rd All Japan U-15 Football Championship Best 32





In the "36th Japan Club Youth Championship (U-15)", we were able to achieve our long-awaited first national victory since the establishment of U-15 Musashi. We often talk to the players about the meaning of the "CSM (Club Support Member)" marked on their uniforms, and we once again realized that we can operate in a privileged environment thanks to all of you. We sincerely thank you.

This year's team demonstrated a high level of activity and communication skills, allowing each player to showcase their diverse strengths. Additionally, by improving our problem-solving abilities during matches, we were able to change the flow of the games ourselves and accumulate victories.

Additionally, although we could not use our regular training facility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, having many opportunities to train at Kodaira Musashino-En had a positive impact. We closely coordinated player movements with the U-18 team, and it also provided opportunities to observe the first team's training up close. I believe this positively influenced the players' motivation to achieve their goals.

In the "Takamado Cup All Japan U-15 Soccer Championship", we were eliminated in the Round of 16, which was disappointing. It was a year filled with opportunities to reflect on why we succeeded and why things didn't go well. The answers we derived through our own thinking and challenges will never be forgotten. I believe the players will definitely connect these enriching experiences to their future efforts.

In the 2022 season, we will work together with all of you to build a new history, and to produce players who can excel in the top team and represent Japan in the world. We appreciate your continued support.

【Record】
2021 Kanto Youth (U-15) Soccer League Division 1 2nd place
2021 Kanto Youth (U-13) Soccer League Division 1B League 2nd place (provisional)
As of January 12, this is a provisional ranking due to 2 matches not yet played.
36th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-15) Tournament Champion
Takamado Cup JFA Sec. 33 All Japan U-15 Soccer Championship Best 16