Transforming School and Community: LEIFRAS's Innovative Sports Initiatives and Their Impact

LEIFRAS CO., LTD., a prominent player in the field of sports education for children, has released two enlightening videos aimed at visualizing the impact of their core social business initiatives: the "Club Activity Support Project" and the "After-School Day Service". Led by CEO Kiyotaka Ito, the company is on a mission to address pressing social issues such as "long working hours for teachers" and "developmental support" through innovative solutions tailored to the needs of schools and communities.

The Background of the Videos: Simplifying Complex Systems through Visual Storytelling

The endeavor to reform club activities and manage after-school services requires specialized knowledge and a robust understanding of intricate institutional designs. To clarify these complexities and showcase the tangible benefits of these initiatives, LEIFRAS produced documentary-style videos that closely follow real operational settings. This strategic move aims to make the concepts of community-based club activities and sports therapy visually comprehensible.

Video 1: Club Activity Support Project

Theme: Building Sustainable Infrastructure Ahead of the 2026 Reform Implementation Period

In this first video, LEIFRAS traces how it is transforming school environments in response to the Ministry of Education's directives for the reform period starting in 2026. One compelling segment highlights the implementation of a "beneficiary burden model" at Chiyoda Junior and Senior High School, where parents are expected to shoulder the costs starting in April 2025. This model is paired with testimonials from educators who express relief at being able to allocate time for crucial meetings and discussions about students’ futures. The video also illustrates the pivotal role of the "School Club Activity Coordinator", who not only directs coaching staff but also serves as a liaison among schools, parents, and local communities to derive optimal solutions tailored to each locality.

Video 2: After-School Day Service 'LEIF'

Theme: Nurturing Social Skills and Independence through Soccer

The second video focuses on the innovative aspect of LEIFRAS's after-school day service, showcasing the unique approach of incorporating sports therapy, specifically using soccer as a pedagogical tool that enables children to learn important life lessons such as the rules of communal living and cooperation while having fun. Notably, the video captures moments where previously reserved children gain confidence by celebrating goals with peers and where older children demonstrate care for younger ones, highlighting the powerful influence of peer support. Additionally, parents share their positive experiences, emphasizing the attractiveness of a program that integrates physical activity with developmental therapy.

Future Developments

Moving forward, LEIFRAS intends to utilize these videos as materials for proposals to local governments and school boards, engaging with parents considering their services. The company is committed to improving the transparency and reliability of their offerings under the guiding principle of "Transforming and Designing Sports". LEIFRAS aims to continue providing real-time insights from the field to contribute to the enhancement of Japan's educational and welfare landscape.

About LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.

Founded on August 28, 2001, LEIFRAS operates under the corporate philosophy of "Transforming and Designing Sports". The company is devoted to tackling social challenges through sports and has been recognized for its significant impact, evidenced by approximately 70,000 members in its children’s sports schools. With a wide array of services including club activity support, healthcare, and community co-creation initiatives, LEIFRAS remains dedicated to contributing positively to society through sports.