#Japan #Tokyo #Women's Soccer #FC Tokyo #Sfida Setagaya

A New Era for Women's Soccer in Tokyo

In a significant development for women's soccer, Sfida Setagaya FC (a general incorporated association) and FC Tokyo (Tokyo Football Club, Inc.) have reached a basic agreement to merge starting in 2027. This merger aims to create a robust platform for women's soccer in Japan by combining the strengths of both organizations.

Transition to FC Tokyo Sfida

During the 2026 season, the teams will compete under the name 'Sfida Setagaya FC.' However, starting in the 2027 season, the club will be rebranded as 'FC Tokyo Sfida.' This transition marks an exciting new chapter, with plans for both teams to collaborate closely on operations and ensure ongoing participation in the Nadeshiko League, Japan's premier women's soccer league.

Background on the Merger

Recent years have witnessed a remarkable surge in interest and competitiveness in women's soccer, particularly in Europe. Major clubs around the world are now positioning their women's teams as integral components of their overall strategy. This trend has also started to resonate in Asia, where the social and cultural significance of women's soccer is increasingly recognized.

Sfida Setagaya FC has been a cornerstone of Japanese women's soccer development, providing strong support from the top team down through youth training and grassroots initiatives. However, to advance its reach and impact, the club recognized the need to pursue new pathways for growth.

On the other hand, FC Tokyo, as a prominent representative of Japan's capital, aims to elevate the value of soccer—men's and women's alike—to bolster its identity and stature. The convergence of both clubs’ objectives culminating in this merger reflects a shared vision for growth and excellence in women's soccer.

Vision for the Future

The merger aims to amalgamate the soccer capabilities, training expertise, and outreach of Sfida Setagaya FC with the established brand strength, operational knowledge, and networks of FC Tokyo. This collaborative effort aspires to create a strong women's soccer team that possesses both competitive prowess and operational efficiency.

• - The shared goal is to establish an unparalleled No. 1 club in Tokyo for both men's and women's soccer.
• - By enhancing the competitive standards, development programs, and business foundations of women's soccer, the aim is to win the Nadeshiko League Division 1 and strive for national supremacy.
• - Efforts are also underway to create a club model that can eventually participate in the WE League, Japan's professional women's soccer league.

Statements from Leadership

Yoshihiko Inada, Chairman of Sfida Setagaya FC:
“I am deeply honored to announce our agreement to merge with FC Tokyo to jointly dedicate ourselves to the evolution of women's soccer. Our objective is to leverage the established 'FC Tokyo' brand to significantly promote women's soccer from the heart of the capital.”

Shigeya Kawagishi, President of FC Tokyo:
“I am thrilled that we have reached an agreement to work together with Sfida Setagaya FC. We recognized a gap in our involvement with women's soccer and have been exploring various ways to address this. Our conversations confirmed that our visions align perfectly. Together, we will endeavor to ensure that 'FC Tokyo Sfida' becomes a leading force in the women’s soccer scene.”

Conclusion

As both clubs embark on this transformative journey, the anticipated merger holds the promise of elevating women's soccer in Japan to new heights. Together, they aim to inspire both current and future generations, fostering a strong and vibrant environment for talented athletes.