GFM Commences 'Real Days': A Unique Approach to Education
In Tokyo's Harumi district, GFM, the operator of the official Real Madrid Soccer School, is taking a significant leap into the realm of educational support by establishing an alternative school called 'Real Days' set to open in February 2026. This initiative comes in response to the rising number of school non-attendees among elementary and middle school students, as highlighted by recent surveys from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
Rationale Behind the Initiative
GFM's experience in running the prestigious Real Madrid Soccer School has shown the powerful impact of sports on children's emotional and social development. However, they've observed that many existing free schools and support settings primarily focus on academic and indoor activities, often neglecting the significant need for physical movement and space for activity, especially in urban environments.
To address this gap, GFM intends to utilize its clubhouse and sports ground in Harumi as a venue for the 'Real Days' school, aiming to foster a nurturing atmosphere where children can first engage in physical activities, thus rediscovering their 'life energy' before transitioning into more traditional learning experiences.
Key Features of 'Real Days'
1. An Unmatched Environment: Explore and Thrive
Located in the vibrant Tokyo Bay area, 'Real Days' provides an extensive facility that enables children to experience a sense of freedom they wouldn't expect in an urban setting. The expansive artificial turf field encourages students to run and play freely under the sky, while the cozy clubhouse, designed with warmth and natural materials, serves as a comforting safe haven for children.
2. Mental Health Support through Physical Engagement
Real Days adopts a unique approach to mental care by utilizing expert sports coaches who have over a decade of experience with children. Instead of maintaining a conventional teacher-student hierarchy, coaches will engage as partners in movement, focusing on relieving physical tension to alleviate mental stress and foster self-esteem naturally. Future collaborations with professionals in psychology and the arts are also planned to enhance support mechanisms comprehensively.
3. Curriculum Focused on Experiences: Play, Create, Connect
The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through engaging the senses rather than traditional academic subjects.
- - Play: Activities such as soccer, tag games, and core exercises allow children to enjoy movement in a playful context.
- - Create: Activities like creating turf art, video production, and cooking encourage children to express themselves without strict right or wrong answers.
- - Connect: Lunchtime conversations and sharing emotions foster gentle connections among peers.
Additionally, given GFM's background, the integration of English and Spanish into various activities will spark interest in language acquisition.
Daily Schedule Overview
Students' school day is designed flexibly, starting between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
- - 9:30 AM: Physical Activity – Students head to the fields for sports like soccer and outdoor exploration.
- - 11:00 AM: Creative Work – Activities involving arts and nature offer a chance for self-expression.
- - 12:00 PM: Lunch & Free Talk – Time to connect and relax with friends and staff.
- - 1:00 PM: Elective Programs – A selection of activities such as English conversation and outdoor learning tailored to personal interests.
Vision for the Future
Real Days aims to be a model for school attendance support utilizing sports facilities, taking a significant step beyond just opening a new educational venue. GFM aspires to spread the 'sports x education' methodology nationwide, broadening the scope of alternatives available for children beyond traditional schooling.
School Details
- - Name: Urban Alternative School 'Real Days by GFM'
- - Location: 4-6-5 Harumi, Chuo City, Tokyo (affiliated with the Real Madrid Foundation Football School Tokyo)
- - Target Audience: Elementary and middle school students
- - Opening Date: February 3, 2026 (tentative)
- - Pre-Opening: Observation and experience programs from December 23, 2025
Pricing
The school is expected to qualify for Tokyo's support program for alternative school users, potentially offering financial assistance up to 20,000 JPY/month.
- - Enrollment Fee: 22,000 JPY (waived for the first 30 applicants due to the opening campaign)
- - Monthly Fees:
- 3 days/week: 44,000 JPY (approx. 24,000 JPY after support)
- 2 days/week: 38,500 JPY (approx. 18,500 JPY after support)
- 1 day/week: 33,000 JPY (approx. 13,000 JPY after support)
*Additional costs include annual sports insurance (1,600 JPY) and some specific program costs (field trips, etc.).
Experience Admission Tickets
Prospective students can try a one-day experience ticket (5,500 JPY/day), with a limit of six per individual.
Contact Information
To learn more about enrollment, please consider attending a free trial or observation day, where customized proposals will be made based on each child’s current situation. Visit our website:
Real Days Website
Company Overview
- - Company Name: Global Football Management Co., Ltd.
- - Representative: CEO Kohei Masuda
- - Location: 4-6-5 Harumi, Chuo City, Tokyo
- - Established: June 2010
- - Business Activities: Management of Real Madrid Foundation Football Schools, sports facility operations, and educational initiatives.
Press Inquiries
For media inquiries related to this announcement, please contact:
Global Football Management Co., Ltd.
Contact: Arai
Tel: 0120-059-669 (9:00–20:00)
E-mail:
[email protected]