Please see below for event details and how the day unfolded.
[May 4th (Wednesday, Holiday) Defense Clinic for 3rd-6th Graders]
We held a "Defense Clinic" specializing in defense for 3rd-6th graders.
The theme was "Challenge & Cover."
We trained in techniques for stealing the ball from opponents and positioning for covering.
Many players were conscious of the advice and key points from the coaches, and the number of players who could successfully steal the ball from opponents gradually increased!
In the games, many players were seen challenging themselves to acquire the skills practiced during training.
[Scenes from the day]
[May 5th (Thursday, Holiday) "Interpersonal Skills Enhancement Clinic for 3rd-6th Graders"]
We held an interpersonal skills enhancement clinic at the Kashima Antlers Academy Field, which was just completed last year.
We conducted training in both offensive and defensive aspects.
For "offense," we conducted dribbling technique training to practice evading opponents, followed by practical 1-on-1 interpersonal drills.
For "defense," we conducted training on approaches and methods for stealing the ball from opponents.
In the final games, many players were seen challenging themselves to apply the techniques practiced in both offensive and defensive training, and significant growth was observed among them. We hope they will continue to utilize these skills in future practices and games.
[Scenes from the day]
[May 5th (Thursday, Holiday) "Enjoy! Kick Clinic for 1st-2nd Graders"]
We held a kick clinic for 1st and 2nd graders.
We focused on technical training centered around the crucial football skill of "stopping and kicking the ball," followed by practical 2-on-1 training applying passes.
Even within stopping and kicking, there are many points and techniques to acquire that were communicated to the players during this training.
Many players were seen challenging themselves in the final games and practical training, and some were even successful. We hope they will be mindful of what they learned at the kick clinic in future training, challenge themselves, and aim for further improvement!!
[Scenes from the day]
[May 7th (Saturday) "3-on-3 Tournament for 1st and 2nd Graders"]
We held a 3-on-3 tournament with teams of three players.
This time, four teams participated.
As it was the first time holding this event in 2022, some participating teams included first-time players who were new 1st graders.
The winning team of this tournament was "Super Tiger."
*Ryota Ushiki, Shunri Nagamine, Naoto Suzuki, Ryuki Kimura, Yuzuru Okamura
The winning team, Super Tiger, received signed jerseys from the players.
It was very impressive that many teams, even those making their first appearance in the tournament, discussed among themselves how to win, what formation to use, and researched their opponents to prepare for the matches.
We hope they will learn a lot and grow from both victories and defeats.
Please form the strongest team with your friends and take on the challenge.
[Scenes from the day]
[May 15th (Sunday) "1-on-1 Strongest Player Deciding Battle"]
The first tournament of the 2022 season for the "1-on-1 Strongest Player Deciding Battle," an event that started last year, was held, and the May champion was decided!
This tournament seeks to crown the strongest player in "1-on-1," a crucial skill in soccer. It demands not only offensive skills but also defensive techniques and various other abilities. Many players participated again this time, engaging in passionate battles with their pride on the line!
It was a wonderful May tournament, filled with smiles and tears amidst fierce competition.
The winner received a prize and the right to challenge for the "Championship," where champions from each month gather at the beginning of the year to determine the true strongest 1-on-1 player.
The June tournament will also be held, and we look forward to challenges from many players!
[June Tournament]
[Date & Time] June 25th (Saturday) 14:00-16:00
[Scenes from the day]
[3rd-4th Grade Division Winner: Ryu Kubota (right in photo) 5th-6th Grade Division Winner: Kazuharu Mizushima (left in photo)]
[May 22nd (Sunday) "Individual Participation Game Tournament for 1st and 2nd Graders"]
We held a game tournament for 1st and 2nd graders.
On the day of the event, over 40 players participated.
A preliminary round with an 8-team round-robin was held, and the top 4 teams advanced to a final tournament to determine the winner.
Since the participating players formed teams with each other, there were some players who were playing together for the first time or had difficulty communicating with players from different grades at first. However, as the games progressed, each team thought about how to win and cheered good plays with shouts like "Nice play!"
As the games were played to determine the championship, the desire not to lose was palpable in every team, and all matches were very heated!
The winning team received an "Antlers Towel Scarf" as a prize.
[Winning Team]
Naoto Suzuki, Taiji Okawa, Kei Saginuma, Yuyu Iizuka, Yuma Kobayashi
[Scenes from the day]
[May 28th (Saturday) "3-on-3 Tournament for 3rd and 4th Graders"]
We held a 3-on-3 tournament with teams of three players.
This time, five teams participated. As it was the first time holding the 3rd and 4th grade tournament this year, each team had a strong desire to win, and every match was heated!
The winning team of this tournament was "BLACK LION."
*Kenta Ushiki, Eita Miyaguchi, Yuma Minamijo, Kazuki Kodama
The winning team received an "Antlers Tote Bag" as a prize.
BLACK LION, which placed second in the preliminary league, managed to avenge their loss to the team that defeated them in the preliminary league, securing the championship.
Some of the losing players were crying with frustration, making it a truly engaging tournament filled with various emotions!
[Scenes from the day]
Thank you to everyone who participated.
Kashima Antlers will continue to hold various events in the future.
We look forward to your participation!!