On Tuesday, May 5th (holiday), the Chibirinpic 2026 JA Zen-Noh Cup National Elementary School Soccer Tournament Final was held at Nissan Stadium, where Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior defeated Kawasaki Frontale U-12 with a score of 1-0, securing their second championship title, and their first in four years since 2022.
This tournament, held with the aim of "developing and fostering youth soccer, improving the level of soccer, and promoting interaction among various regions," featured 16 teams that advanced through qualifying rounds in nine areas across the country.
The matches were played under an 8-a-side format, lasting 36 minutes (12 minutes x 3 periods). In the final match at Nissan Stadium, the team faced Kawasaki Frontale U-12.
In the first and second periods, both teams aggressively pursued a goal to take the lead, but the match remained evenly contested with neither side giving an inch.
The game-changing moment came in the final third period. Kanan Nerome intercepted an opponent's dribble on the left side, and from that loose ball, Zento Nakajima dribbled past defenders and unleashed a brilliant left-footed shot into the goal, securing the first goal.
They held onto this single goal, winning 1-0 and claiming the championship.
Thank you for your support of Tsukuba Junior!