#Japan #Sumida #MetLife #Futsal #PeaceUnited

MetLife Cup U-12 Futsal Tournament

From July 4th to 5th, 2026, the MetLife Cup U-12 futsal tournament took place at Higashin Arena in Sumida, Tokyo, engaging 152 elementary school students from Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Saitama. The event was organized by MetLife Insurance Company and Fuchu Dor Sumida, part of the Japan Futsal League.

Overview of the Event

The tournament invited 13 teams comprised of children aged 12 and under from various regions to compete in preliminary and placement matches. Over two exciting days, teams displayed their skills, teamwork, and passion for the sport. As the games progressed, players encouraged each other with shouts of motivation, resulting in a lively atmosphere that echoed throughout the venue.

Noteworthy was the enthusiasm shown during the placement matches, where teams fiercely targeted victory while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship. The event was not only about competition; it served as a platform for personal growth and interaction among participants.

Key Highlights

After the tournament concluded, participants, along with their parents, were offered the chance to watch an official F-League match, allowing them to witness high-level professional performance and sparking their motivation to improve and aspire for greater achievements.

Tournament Results

1. Championship Tournament
- 1st Place: PeaceUnited FC
- 2nd Place: Yokohama Sumire SC U-11
- 3rd Place: FC Logro

2. Runner-Up Tournament
- Winner: Futetsu Soccer Club

3. 3rd and 4th Place Tournament
- Winner: Midori SC

Awards & Recognition

• - Fair Play Award: XFC, Sumida Soccer Club U-12
• - Cheer Award: Saito SC, Nakagawa FC
• - Challenge Award: Shogo FC, CA Tempesta Johoku
• - Fuga Award: Ogukishi FC, Tachibana Kids Soccer Club

Voices from Participants

A 6th grader from FC Logro shared, "Playing against high-level teams was a fun learning experience. I discovered areas for improvement and gained invaluable experience."
The coach emphasized, "This tournament allowed children to compete against teams from different areas, fostering a deeper understanding of the sport through not just play, but also the opportunity to observe professional matches."

Even those involved in organization praised the event for providing children with firsthand experience of futsal, enhancing the tournament's significance.

About the Co-Creation Project

The initiative by MetLife to collaborate with the F-League aims to create a synergy between local communities, clubs, and businesses to foster education and growth opportunities for children through sports. Following a successful premiere in Tachikawa City in June, this second event in Sumida further facilitated challenging and collaborative experiences for local youth through futsal. MetLife continues to expand these opportunities, ensuring children can build confidence to achieve their aspirations.

About MetLife Insurance

Founded in 1973, MetLife Insurance is Japan's first foreign-owned life insurance company and is now part of a globally recognized life insurance group, helping customers make the best insurance choices through diverse sales channels. MetLife remains committed to providing innovative solutions to meet a wide array of risks for both individual and corporate clients. To learn more, visit www.metlife.co.jp.