#Japan #Yokohama #Start Line #IBUKI #soccer clinic

Event Recap: Fostering Smiles and Growth in Children

On May 10, 2025, Start Line, a company dedicated to promoting a society where everyone can live authentically through employment support for people with disabilities, hosted a remarkable event for parents and children with disabilities. The event was held in collaboration with Global Football Academy and Terakoya, a child development support service based in Yokohama.

Background of the Event

The Global Football Academy resides in Yokohama and operates under the guiding principle of bringing smiles to children, families, and people around the world through soccer. This resonates deeply with Start Line’s mission, leading to the partnership where Start Line generously provided the rooftop of its IBUKI YOKOHAMA FARM4 for hosting soccer clinics.

As part of their social contribution initiatives, Global Football Academy regularly conducts soccer classes and donates soccer balls to Terakoya. By bringing together three organizations, the event aimed to share information about community engagement and employment support for people with disabilities through various shared experiences.

Event Overview

Date and Time: May 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: IBUKI YOKOHAMA FARM4
Activities:

• - Making sparkling potpourri
• - Tasting aromatic herbal teas
• - Rooftop Soccer Clinic with former pro soccer players and Japanese beach soccer representatives
• - Workshop on employment for people with disabilities

The day began with the creative activity of making potpourri using herbs grown at IBUKI. After an introduction on the IBUKI concept, parents and children worked together to select herbs and beads to craft their unique potpourri, filling the air with delightful aromas.

During the herbal tea tasting, participants enjoyed five different types of teas, appreciating the varied aromas and colors.

Fortunately, the rain stopped just before the soccer clinic commenced, allowing children to engage in soccer with excitement alongside coaches Nakaura, a former pro player, and Haraguchi, a representative of Japan’s beach soccer team. Children laughed and played energetically, showcasing their skills despite the cloudy skies.

The workshop on employment addressed various opportunities available for children with disabilities post-school, aiming to reassure parents about their children's future. Attendees also toured IBUKI to understand the supportive work environment it provides.

Feedback from Participants

Participants expressed their joy over the day’s experiences:

• - “Making potpourri was fun. The nice fragrance made me happy.”
• - “I tried herbal tea for the first time; it was delicious!”
• - “As a parent of a special needs child, I appreciate learning about the career options available. I hope to see more places like IBUKI.”
• - “I was surprised by the efforts of private companies in supporting employment for people with disabilities.”

About IBUKI YOKOHAMA FARM4

In March 2024, Start Line opened the 23rd location of its greenhouse-based employment support service, IBUKI, in Yokohama. IBUKI provides a stable and supportive environment for people with disabilities, allowing them to engage in cultivating herbs, leafy vegetables, and edible flowers.

The crops they cultivate are then processed, enhancing their usability as novelties or wellness gifts for corporate employees. Trained staff members ensure a safe and encouraging workplace tailored for individuals with disabilities.

Final Thoughts

Despite the rainy weather leading up to the event, the sense of camaraderie and joy among participants made it a heartwarming day. Start Line is grateful to Global Football Academy and Terakoya for collaborating on such a meaningful event. Moving forward, Start Line will keep striving to expand employment options for individuals with disabilities, enhancing community engagement and contributing to a society where everyone can thrive as their true selves.