We flew to Kumamoto Prefecture, and from the airport, we took a bus to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Upon arrival, we held a training match with V-Varen Nagasaki Junior, who would be participating in the tournament the next day, and we both praised each other's efforts.
At dinner, the children were thrilled with the yakiniku on the menu, and they had many servings of their favorite meat to prepare for the next day.
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The Antlers team was divided into two teams, Team A consisting mainly of 4th graders and Team B consisting mainly of 3rd graders, to compete in the tournament.
Kashima Antlers A
Preliminary League
1. Boa Sorte 5-0
2. Hizen 3-1
3. Ameixa B 5-0
4. Volk Kitakyushu A 0-0
5. Chinzei 11-0
☆Advanced to the final tournament as 2nd place in the preliminary league
Kashima Antlers B
1. Enfrente 2-1
2. Trevo 0-4
3. Sasebo Islands 0-1
4. Oita Trinita 1-7
5. Renofa Yamaguchi B 0-4
6. Area Ito 2-1
☆Advanced to the lower tournament as 6th place in the preliminary league
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On the second day of the tournament, we held ranking tournaments based on the results of the preliminary league. Both teams played while reflecting on their performance from the previous day.
Kashima Antlers A
Quarterfinals Renofa Yamaguchi 2-1
Semifinals Oita Trinita 1-1 (PK3-2)
Final Volk Kitakyushu A 0-2
☆Tournament result: Runner-up
Kashima Antlers B
Lower tournament Round 1 FCCF Blanc 2-0
Round 2 Alara B 0-1
☆Tournament result: 22nd place
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Kashima Antlers A team finished as runner-up, and team B finished 22nd. The opponent in the A team's final was the same opponent they played against in the preliminary league, and it was a frustrating loss as that match was a draw, but both teams fought hard with their teammates until the end.
After the tournament, all players and staff refreshed themselves in the pool. The tireless children played to their hearts' content.
After that, we returned to Ibaraki, and the three-day Kumamoto away trip successfully concluded.
We received support from many people during this Kumamoto away trip. In particular, we are deeply indebted to Aso Bigo Sports Club and many other related parties. The children also acted with gratitude during their stay, and I believe they grew significantly not only in their soccer skills but also in their personal development. What we learned in Kumamoto will undoubtedly be useful for our future activities.
We plan to conduct another Kumamoto away trip next year, so please join us.