NEWS News

We would like to inform you that FC Tokyo is scheduled to participate in the newly established 'U-21 J.League' starting from the 2026/27 season, as announced today by the J.League. Please refer to the announcement from the J.League for details on the tournament overview and the planned regulations.

□ Purpose and Background of Establishing the 'U-21 J.League'
In Japanese football, players up to 18 years old can secure continuous playing opportunities through J Youth and high school soccer, but from 19 years old onward (after high school graduation), it becomes difficult to secure an appropriate playing environment within the limited options of either advancing to university soccer or turning professional.

For players aged 19 to 21, a crucial period for enhancing their potential as professional athletes, we have decided to establish the "U-21 J.League" to ensure an appropriate playing environment such as "opportunities to play full 90 minutes throughout the year," "a cycle of match → rest → training → match," and "serious competition under observation," in order to maximize the potential of Japanese football as a whole.

□ Regarding the club's intention to participate

FC Tokyo has decided to participate in the 'U-21 J.League'.

We believe that by having post-youth players or academy players belonging to the top team compete in serious matches, it greatly contributes to the individual growth rate of the players. Through participation in this league, our goal is to have as many players as possible succeed in the top team, and we will continue to work towards this objective.

FC Tokyo has been honored with the J.League Best Youth Development Club Award four times in the past, but we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to move forward with new challenges. We would appreciate your warm support for the activities, growth, and potential of FC Tokyo's young players.

FC Tokyo
President and CEO
Shigeya Kawagishi

◇Announcements from the J.League are here (external link)