A total of 12 teams participated: Kashima Antlers School Select A, Kashima Antlers School Select B, Lago Verde, Lago Greende, AC Razole, Shimogawara NSC, Saitama Osten, FC Nakahara, FC Arco, Wakon SC, FC Gamushara, and Serie FC. The matches were played under an 8-a-side format with 15-minute halves. On the 29th, league matches were played, and on the 30th, league matches and a tournament were held.
FC Arco emerged as the champion. Kashima Antlers School Select A came in 2nd place, and Saitama Osten took 3rd place.
The first day of the tournament, June 29th, unfortunately brought rain. The Antlers School Select players and coaches prepared the grounds in the rain.
Similar to the ANTLERS SPRING FESTIVAL held in spring, this tournament aimed to promote interaction with other regions. Many players who had not participated in away games before, and many teams that rarely had opportunities for away games, took part.
Despite the bad weather, FC Arco (Miyagi Prefecture), the team that traveled the furthest, arrived safely, and the tournament began on schedule with all teams present.
On the first day, the first match started at 10:30 AM, with each team playing three 15-minute halves. For teams with many participating players, ample time was also allocated for friendly matches, resulting in five matches including league play.
Despite concerns about the weather, the children didn't let the rain bother them and energetically ran around the grounds.
After the matches, an enjoyable event was held, continuing from the spring. Not only the players but also the staff from each team were surprised to see soccer goods like squeeze bottles and balls, as well as autographed cleats from players Uchida and Inukai!
This time, we held an Antlers-rules boccia tournament and a bingo tournament. The battles were more intense than the daytime soccer matches, as everyone competed for the豪華 prizes.
The second day of the tournament also had unfortunate weather, similar to the first day. However, the Antlers Select team and coaches prepared the grounds, and the tournament began on schedule.
On the second day, all 12 teams gathered at Bokuden-no-Sato Sports Park. As it was a large-scale tournament using six youth fields, participants could be heard exclaiming, "Awesome!", "So spacious!", and "Beautiful!" everywhere.
The second day, with tournament rankings at stake, saw more spirited plays than the first day, and intense battles unfolded, just like at the enjoyable event the day before.
In the final, Antlers Select A clashed with FC Arco (Miyagi), with FC Arco winning 3-0 to claim the championship.
This tournament was held with the sole desire to make it enjoyable for the children, and they engaged in fierce battles both on and off the pitch!
We will continue to plan tournaments that allow our school students and players from outside the prefecture to interact, so please join us.