The players departed early in the morning and arrived in Mutsu City around noon, where they enjoyed a dinner party at a hotel with elementary school students from the city. At first, the children were nervous in front of the professional soccer players, but smiles appeared on their faces when the players started talking to them. They also accommodated requests for autographs and photos during the meal.
After lunch, they moved to the Shimokita Kasetsu Dome, and the soccer school started at 1:00 PM. At the beginning of the greetings, C.R.O Nakata told the participating children to "have fun" and "do their best."
First, they warmed up by running and high-fiving, and playing a game where people with the same birthday or blood type quickly gathered.
After the warm-up, they were divided into groups of 1st to 3rd graders and 4th to 6th graders to practice soccer fundamentals. The younger students dribbled while playing rock-paper-scissors with the coaches and even nutmegged the players.
The older students practiced passing. C.R.O Nakata instructed them, "Don't play silently; call out to the person you want to pass to."
After the basic drills, they played a game with multiple balls. Player Suzuki dribbled past the children with heel lifts and feints, and then passed to a child near the goal.
At the end of the game, Mutsu FC played against the players' team. Mutsu FC, who had declared "absolute victory," was narrowly defeated 3-2 by the players' team.
In this match, player Suzuki, whose return to official matches is highly anticipated, scored a volley goal with an assist from C.R.O Nakata.
Player Misao kept the ball and distributed it to his teammates, while Player Oki allowed the children to score goals, letting them have their moment.
Mutsu City Mayor, who made a special appearance, received decisive passes repeatedly from the players and C.R.O Nakata but only managed one goal.
C.R.O Nakata also didn't miss opportunities and scored goals with headers.
At the closing ceremony, each player and C.R.O Nakata gave greetings. Players Suzuki and Misao said, "Let's play professionally together someday," and the soccer school concluded.
The participating children received signed shikishi (autograph boards) and other gifts.
Additionally, an autograph session and photo opportunity were spontaneously held, delighting the children.
This soccer school is held annually with the cooperation of Joso Kaihatsu Kogyo and Aomori Clean, official club sponsors.
