[For 1st and 2nd Grade Elementary Students] School Exchange Match (vs JEF United Chiba)
On May 6 (Wednesday, holiday), the same day as the home game in the J1 Century Vision League "FC Tokyo vs JEF United Chiba," an exchange match was held at the AGF Field adjacent to Ajinomoto Stadium for 1st and 2nd grade elementary school students, involving school players from JEF United Chiba.
After completing registration, we waited in the spectator seats until the opening ceremony. The children looked a little nervous as they gazed at the pitch where the match was about to take place, but once they stepped onto the pitch, their excitement that the game was finally starting overflowed.
The match began, and at first, they seemed overwhelmed by the power of JEF United Chiba, but gradually their nerves eased, and they were seen actively chasing the ball.
In a lively atmosphere typical of 1st and 2nd graders, they worked together with their teammates and gave their best effort in the match.
From there, goals were scored, and the sight of the whole team celebrating together was very impressive. Also, the team resting during the break cheered on the team playing by singing FC Tokyo chants, and the entire venue united in great excitement.
Through the exchange match, I believe the children were able to learn the importance of cooperating with teammates and challenging themselves without giving up until the end.
Additionally, before the match, the coach spoke about the importance of caring for teammates and having gratitude towards those around them.
The children who finished the match showed signs of fatigue but their excitement had not faded, and at the closing ceremony, they cheerfully responded, "That was fun!"
There were many moments where the children actively tried to demonstrate the results of their daily practice, such as dribbling and shooting, making this exchange match a confidence-building experience for them.
Children heading to cheer for the top team. While humming the FC Tokyo chant they sang during the exchange match, they went to Ajinomoto Stadium with their hearts full of anticipation.