#Japanese Women #StayDream Group #Professional Football

Japanese Female Football Players Achieve Professional Contracts in Spain

In a remarkable development for Japanese women in sports, StayDream Group, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has facilitated the professional contracts of nine Japanese female football players in Spain. This news arrives as six of these athletes are currently showcasing their talents in various Spanish leagues.

Profiles of the Successfully Contracted Players (Total of 9 Players)

Segunda Federación Femenina (Second Division)

• - Aya Ura (CP Cacereño Femenino) - Previously with Yokosuka Seagulls JOY, Nippatsu Yokohama FC Seagulls, before heading to Spain.
• - Wakana Naga (CP Cacereño Femenino) - Formerly a player at Jūmonji High School and FC Machida Zelvia Ladies.

Tercera Federación Femenina (Third Division)

• - Momoko Ichikawa (FF La Solana) - Radiating from Tokai University附属橘 High School.
• - Minoru Sase (Cacereño Femenino Atletico) - Transitioned from Saku Chosei High School and then onto a university in the USA before arriving in Spain.
• - Ami Mori (SD Huesca) - Formerly at Saku Chosei High School.
• - Yuno Morita (SD Huesca) - Previously associated with Musashigaoka Junior College (now returned home).
• - Mikino Takeuchi (RUT Femenino) - Resigned from Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara Due to having returned to Japan.
• - Mio Shimano (CD Juan Grande) - Previously part of Otemon Gakuin High School and Iga FC Kunōichi Mie before her contract.

Regional (Fourth Division)

• - Rion Saito (Zaragoza CFF B) - Formerly of Saku Chosei High School, now playing in Spain.

(Note: Within this press release, “professional contracts” specify agreements with clubs that provide livelihoods solely based around football income.)

Why Are Japanese Women Football Players Thriving in Spain?

The surge in interest in the Spanish women's football league can largely be attributed to the national team’s triumph at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Following this victory, there has been a significant increase in investments in women’s football in Spain, leading to more clubs in the second and third divisions offering salaries and benefits, creating ample opportunities for Japanese women.

Example of Compensation in the Spanish Women’s League (Third Division):

• - Monthly Salary: An average of €250 (approximately $400)
• - Housing: Free accommodation provided by the clubs
• - Utilities: Paid for by the club
• - Bonus: Goal bonuses may be awarded by individual teams
• - Work Visa: Supported by the club

Contrast this with Japan’s