From February 22nd to 24th, 3rd and 4th graders from our school went on a "Sapporo Expedition" for three days.
We traveled by plane all the way to Hokkaido, far from Ibaraki. For some players, it was their first time on a plane, so the journey was a bit tense.
After arriving in Sapporo, we did cross-country skiing at Nakajima Park in the city. It was a fun training session that also strengthened our legs and core.
After cross-country skiing, we played friendly mini-games with local team FC DENOVA at the "Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center (also known as Kitaeru)."
For some players, it was their first time playing a serious soccer match indoors, and they noticed the difference from playing outdoors.
On the first day, we stayed at the Hokkaido Soccer Training Center House "Yume Kitare," where we prepared our own futons.
On the second day, after breakfast, we participated in the "Cold Cup" snow soccer tournament held on the ground in front of Yume Kitare.
Snow soccer was a completely different environment from regular soccer. In the round-robin league, despite being unfamiliar with the conditions and struggling, all players put in their best effort in every match and managed to win the championship.
In the afternoon, we went tubing at Takino Snow World.
On the second day, we stayed at Sapporo Sun Plaza. They provided cooperation and support for our bus transportation for all three days.
After dinner, everyone played Bingo.
On the final day, the third day, we had breakfast at the hotel and went sightseeing at Maruyama Zoo in the city.
After that, for city sightseeing, we split into two groups and visited the TV Tower or played with the remaining snow at the former site of the Snow Festival, which had been held a week earlier.
Then we moved to New Chitose Airport, bought souvenirs for our families, and returned to Ibaraki.
Upon arrival, we took a group photo and then dispersed.
