[Tournament Name]
U-7, 8, 9 SDGs 4-Goal Tournament FUNiño
*FUNiño is a coined word from the English "Fun" and the Spanish "Niño" (child).
[Organizers]
Kashima Antlers FC Co., Ltd. x General Incorporated Association SDGs Future Investment Research Institute
[Special Sponsor]
Oriental Bio Co., Ltd.
[Cooperation]
General Incorporated Association Japan International Public Relations Strategy Organization
[Number of teams] 32 teams (U-7 x 8 teams, U-8 x 16 teams, U-9 x 8 teams)
[Number of Attendees]
Approx. 600 people
[Tournament Format]
3-a-side, 4-goal tournament
[Vendors]
ima cafe, FMF (both are Tsukuba Academy Center sponsors)
[Operational Cooperation]
Cheerleading Team "Phoenix"
[U-7 Rankings]
1st Place (serie) 2nd Place (Bambi) 3rd Place (Jainasaur)
[U-8 Rankings]
1st Place (Funejuku) 2nd Place (Nakane FC Green) 3rd Place (Golbaile)
[U-9 Rankings]
1st Place (Funejuku) 2nd Place (Wellness FA) 3rd Place (Cafuringa)
Since 2019, the German Football Association has introduced this FUNiño format for the U-9 age group instead of the traditional 7-a-side.
It has recently become a hot topic in Japan, and an increasing number of teams are gradually adopting it.
This time, in addition to the German rules, we introduced a retreat line. We also slightly enlarged the court size.
This was Antlers' first 4-goal tournament.
Some might wonder if a 4-goal tournament would be as exciting as regular soccer, but it offers many opportunities for attacks and defenses near the goal, and makes it easier for players who don't usually score much to find the net. It was more exciting than expected.
Characteristics of FUNiño
1. Team activities possible with a small number of players
2. Equal playing time for all players
3. More ball contact (60% more than 7-a-side)
4. 5 times more dribbling and 2 times more passing than 7-a-side
5. Enhanced and improved defense
6. Special rules improve game intelligence
7. Many scoring opportunities = successful experiences
8. No benchwarmers, no fixed positions
SDGs
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/oda/sdgs/about/index.html
Oriental Bio Co., Ltd.
https://www.orientalbio.co.jp/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9Pe1r--x5wIV0aqWCh18lwo1EAAYASAAEgIvFPD_BwE#