On Sunday, November 1st, the Kashima Antlers Friendly Soccer School (sponsored by club official sponsor Showa Sangyo) was held at the clubhouse. Forty pre-selected families with children participated, and from the team, players Toyokawa, Kubota, Umebachi, and Yuma Suzuki, as well as C.R.O. Nakata, joined as coaches. Although it was the day after the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup final, the players were even more excited than usual after their victory.
Players introducing themselves
The warm-up involved a game of tag with players and coaches
After the warm-up, the children practiced dribbling and passing, with the players demonstrating their skills. The children were initially quiet, but with advice from Umebachi and Coach Nakata, they started calling out and receiving passes.
After practice, there was a game divided into two groups: 1st to 3rd graders and 4th to 6th graders. Toyokawa imitated Rugby player Goro Kiku at the kickoff, drawing laughter from the parents. C.R.O. Nakata served as the referee, but when a good cross came in, his body seemed to react, and he scored a header, leaving the children dumbfounded.
A girl showing a very high level, making quick turns to shoot and threading through passes
Yuma Suzuki, who has been running around on this futsal court since he was a second grader
Umebachi stumbled on a child's quick turn and conceded a goal
Toyokawa conveying the fun of soccer while making the children laugh
Kubota lost the ball due to a mistake and conceded a goal
C.R.O. Nakata tried to block the shot but couldn't stop it
After the soccer school, manager Ishii also participated in a lottery. Prizes included autographed uniforms and Nabisco Cup victory commemorative T-shirts. Finally, everyone took a group photo, followed by family photos, and the Kashima Antlers Friendly Soccer School concluded. In addition, participating children received an assortment of products from Showa Sangyo and an assortment of vegetables from Kasumi.
