#Japan #Yokohama #JA Zennoh #Nippon no Shoku #Soccer Championship

JA Zennoh Cup National Elementary School Soccer Championship Set for May 3-5, 2025

This year's eagerly anticipated JA Zennoh Cup National Elementary School Soccer Championship is just around the corner, scheduled to take place from May 3 to 5, 2025, at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama and surrounding venues. This event is part of the larger JA Zennoh Chibi Olympics 2025, where JA Zennoh serves as a special sponsor.

The purpose of this annual event, which has been held for 47 years, is to support children's healthy development and foster family bonding through sports. This year, the focus is on nutritional education under the theme of "Nippon no Shoku", or Japan's food, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in children's growth and athletic performance.

Participating Teams

A total of 16 teams from various regions have been selected to compete in the soccer finals, following a series of regional tournaments held across Japan:

• - Hokkaido (1 team): SSS Sapporo Soccer School (Sapporo)
• - Tohoku (2 teams): Renuovens Ogasa FC Junior (Iwate), FC Grows (Iwate)
• - Kanto (3 teams): Buddy SC (Kanagawa), Fanaticos (Gunma), Kashiwa Reysol U-12 (Chiba)
• - Hokushinetsu (1 team): Nagaoka JYFC U-12 (Niigata)
• - Tokai (2 teams): Nagoya Grampus (Aichi), Meito Club (Aichi)
• - Kansai (2 teams): Vissel Kobe U-12 (Hyogo), Jinga Miki Sports Club (Hyogo)
• - Chugoku (2 teams): Renofa Yamaguchi FC U-12 (Yamaguchi), Oota Football Club (Okayama)
• - Shikoku (1 team): Desafio Club de Futbol (Kagawa)
• - Kyushu (2 teams): Sagan Tosu U-12 (Saga), Nagasaki Dream FC Junior (Nagasaki)

Event Schedule

The competition is not just about soccer; the event will also include various activities and events scheduled throughout the day on May 5 (Monday). Here’s a glimpse of the day's agenda:

• - 9:00 AM: Opening Ceremony and Torch Relay
• - 9:30 AM: Parent-Child Marathon
• - 10:00 AM: Semi-finals for the National Elementary School Soccer Championship
• - 2:30 PM: Finals for the National Elementary School Soccer Championship
• - 3:15 PM-4:30 PM: Award Ceremony and Closing

Additionally, renowned guests will be attending, including athletes such as Kasumi Ishikawa and Naoko Takahashi, who will inspire the young participants.

Streaming and Outreach

The excitement will also be available to viewers at home! The championship matches and children's performances will be streamed live on several platforms, including YouTube channels of Nikkan Sports and Soccer King. In addition, updates and highlights will be shared on social media via their TikTok and X accounts. This outreach aims to engage a broader audience and promote awareness of both the importance of sports and the nutritional aspects of children's diets.

This year’s championship promises to be an exciting celebration of youth sports, family bonding, and the healthy development of young athletes through the power of teamwork and nutrition. Stay tuned for more updates as the event draws closer!