This time, two teams from the 3rd grade and one team each from the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades participated. As the name "J-School" suggests, this tournament was exclusively for J-League school students, who wore their team uniforms and competed for victory with pride, just like the top teams.
【Participating Teams】
Kashima Antlers, Yokohama F. Marinos, Yokohama FC, Omiya Ardija, FC Tokyo, Kawasaki Frontale, Shimizu S-Pulse
On the first day, after gathering, the coaches explained the meaning of participating in this tournament, the schedule for the three days, and the "themes" covering both soccer and daily life. All players wrote these down in their soccer notebooks, sharing the significance of their participation in the tournament.
They also wrote down the camp's timetable in their notebooks, challenging themselves to manage their time and act independently without relying on the coaches. Afterward, since many members were meeting for the first time, they deepened their teamwork by having lunch together and getting to know each other.
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In the tournament, we got to know our teammates better than on the first day, and as each team started to gel, Antlers was able to play as a team and each player showcased their individual strengths.
During meetings before, at halftime, and after the games, the players exchanged opinions and communicated their thoughts to their teammates, showing clear growth compared to the first day. Although four grades participated, all Antlers teams are one family, so between matches, they cheered for other grades' games by waving flags and shouting encouragement to the players on the field.
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Afterward, we returned to the accommodation, and after dinner, we held a joint fun event with the Antlers Winter Camp, which was being held at the same accommodation. We had a rock-paper-scissors tournament with prizes such as autographed shikishi from players and Antlers uniforms.
At the end of the second day, just like the first day, we held a team reflection session. By writing down their thoughts in their notebooks, each person re-evaluated what they did well and what they didn't, preparing for the final day.
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The third and final day also started with a morning walk. The players had grown accustomed to the accommodation and environment, and the camaraderie with their teammates, who they had spent three days with, made it feel like they had been together for a long time.
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Team Photos & Coach Comments
【3rd Grade Team A: Coach Hikari】
"We started the tournament with consecutive losses, but as a result of everyone challenging and staying involved, we achieved first place in the lower league. Everyone cooperated both on and off the pitch, and each individual grew."
【3rd Grade Team B: Coach Asano】
"Throughout this tournament, in addition to Antlers' themes, we approached the games with the team theme of 'watching teammates, opponents, the ball, and space.' Compared to the first day, we gradually became better at this by the third day. However, there's still room for growth, so I hope they don't forget what they learned from this tournament and consciously play in future practices, focusing on what they could and couldn't do."
【4th Grade Team: Coach Kawamata】
"I believe that for the children who participated in this J-School camp, competing seriously for victory while wearing the uniforms of their own club against students from various J-League clubs was a valuable experience."
【5th Grade Team: Coach Noro】
"In this tournament, we set themes for both the team and individuals. In particular, we made a promise that everyone would cooperate both on and off the pitch to do what they could for the team. Although we won in the end, every match started with us conceding first, making for tough situations. However, the children desperately aimed for the goal and achieved comeback victories. I believe they gained the strength to win by showing a never-give-up attitude in this tournament. It was a very good experience for the children."
【6th Grade Team: Coach Takeshi】
"This time, we created a common theme for all grades, both on and off the pitch. On the first day, there was some hesitation both on and off the pitch, but as time passed, our teamwork greatly improved. In the matches, we lost to Omiya Ardija on the first day, especially highlighting defensive issues. However, we gradually improved in the subsequent matches and were able to win. When we disbanded, I told the players that I want them to become not only good soccer players but also good people who greet others, show gratitude, and value their teammates in aspects beyond soccer. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what kind of players and people they become in the future. Lastly, I myself learned a lot from the players during this time. Thank you very much for these three days."
【Coach Tarui】
"In preparation for this tournament, the staff and I united to convey many things to all participants, not just about the matches, but also about daily life. Among these, we set three main themes for the players:
1. Actively challenge yourselves both on and off the pitch!
2. Communicate with each other both on and off the pitch.
3. Greet others, show gratitude, and value your teammates.
It was great that everyone, regardless of grade, could approach these three points with a shared understanding. If this camp has even a small impact and brings about change in the future, we, the staff, would be delighted. Finally, I would like to thank all the parents who allowed their children to participate during the busy year-end period. Thanks to the support of both those from far away and those from near Kashima who took the time to come and cheer, the players were able to keep running for three days. This is all thanks to the parents. All the players wrote about their daily experiences in their soccer notebooks, so please take a look and ask them many questions about their memories. Thank you."