From Nov 30 (Sat) to Dec 1 (Sun), FC Tokyo soccer andfutsal school students went to Shizuoka Prefecture for an "away support tour"!
We gathered at Tokyo Station at 7 a.m. and headed to Shizuoka Prefecture by Shinkansen,
After arriving at Kakegawa Station, we traveled by microbus to Yamaha Stadium(Iwata), where we were welcomed by the coaches of the Júbilo Iwata Soccer School!
Since the usual school activities involved children from different venues or grades, everyone was a bit nervous at first, but as they started talking with friends sitting next to them during the trip and made new companions, their tension gradually eased, and they showed very lively expressions!
After arriving at the stadium, each grade was divided for the pre-match game of the "Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 37 Júbilo Iwata vs FC Tokyo".
I heard that it was the first time for the Júbilo Iwata Soccer School to hold a pre-match game with students from other J clubs...!
All grades played with great effort,and there were many intense battles in front of the goal where players put their bodies on the line, resulting in many closely contested matches that did not reflect in the score.
"This is the first time I've played on such beautiful grass!" was one of the comments.
After the preliminary match ended and everyone had lunch, we held the optional events of "High Touch" and "Hand with Hand".
They seemed excited to see the top team players up close!
When giving high-fives, they cheered for each player with "Go for it!"
At Hand with Hand, the children practiced in advance and performed beautifully in the main event..
There were students who were so nervous that they couldn't remember who they held hands with.
Although the results of the top team were disappointing, there were some children jumping and cheering in the front row, while others were seen seriously watching the game.
The moment we took the lead, everyone stood up, and the excitement reached its peak!
Everyone was cheering loudly.
After the match, we moved to the accommodation, quickly took a bath and did the laundry, and reflected on the day.
"The top team players were constantly involved in the play!"
"I thought it would be better to create more passing lanes and help my teammates during the preliminary match!"
"I was very nervous during the preliminary match! But playing was really fun!"
"Let's switch between offense and defense faster than the opponent!"
Such passionate reflections were shared.
On the 2nd day, we woke up early again, tidied up the futons, and for breakfast,everyone ate a rice ball set together.
After leaving the lodging, we headed to Tsumagoi Resort,
and in the morning, we played an exchange match with Júbilo Iwata Soccer School students.
Everyone was dozing off during the bus ride, but upon arriving at the match venue, their expressions instantly switched to serious mode!
Perhaps thanks to the reflection and review meeting from yesterday, many matches were closely contested and very exciting to watch,
with everyone playing for the team and constantly pushing towards the goal.
After playing 4 interleague matches, we held a mixed match between FC Tokyo school students and Júbilo Iwata school students.
Although it will be an impromptu team, we actively communicated by deciding on a captain and calling each other's schoolmates' names.
When a goal was scored or a critical moment was prevented, high-fives naturally occurred, and we encouraged each other. Once again, I felt that soccer is a wonderful sport that can create friendships with just one ball!
After the交流戦, we had lunch and prepared for the afternoon event!
The afternoon event featured a light sports tournament.
This time, we divided into 4 teams and challenged ourselves in 3 events, competing for points!
<Gambling Ring>
It was a game where you align bingo in a ring toss format.
A very simple game, but surprisingly quite difficult, and we struggled with the strength and timing of the throw!
<Puzzle Relay>
Each person has 30 seconds to complete the puzzle.
If it is not completed within 30 seconds, the baton is passed to the next teammate.
Trying to complete the puzzle under a time limit dulls judgment, causing mistakes that normally wouldn’t happen, making it a very mentally challenging game.
We struggled to complete the puzzle, so during the game we changed from one player to two players and aimed to complete the puzzle!
In the end, we somehow managed to complete all the teams.
<Checkpoint Rock-Paper-Scissors>
At the designated checkpoints, we played rock-paper-scissors, and if you won, you could proceed to the next checkpoint.
If you keep winning and win at the final checkpoint, you earn points!
It’s a very simple and exciting game, and it was a huge hit!
After the light sports, take the bus to Kakagawa Station.
After arriving, when purchasing souvenirs, there were children thinking, "I wonder if my family would be happy if I bought this," which was a very heartwarming sight.
I was able to spend a very fulfilling time over the past two days.
I hope that this event has provided experiences that will be useful in my future life, even if just a little.
FC Tokyo will continue to provide opportunities for children's growth and valuable experiences.
We will continue to plan events like this, so we look forward to your participation.
