NEWS News

F.C TOKYO U-18 made a road trip to Germany from March 23 to March 30.
This road trip will not only be a preparation for the upcoming “Prince Takamado Trophy U-18 Soccer League 2018 Premier League EAST” starting from April 8 but also an opportunity to enhance each individual’s skills by experiencing world top-level football.

Arrived at Düsseldorf Airport after a flight of about 12 hours. Training was conducted the day after arrival. F.C. TOKYO players gradually adjusted their condition and played an 8 vs 8 game on the half court at the end of the training.

Afterwards, they took the bus to watch the Bundesliga Division 3 match between SC Preußen and Unterhaching starting at 2 PM. The stadium was packed with 6,000 fans, despite it being a Division 3 game. We could truly feel the essence of football: intensity, hard work, cheers for great plays, boos, and catcalls when chances were missed.

On Day 3 of the Germany road trip, we played training matches against Hannover 96, Paderborn, and Bochum U-19, all part of the Bundesliga U-19. Although we won two games decisively, in the match against Bochum U-19, F.C. TOKYO U-18 conceded the first goal. However, F.C. TOKYO came from behind twice and fought for the victory.

In the match against Schalke 04 U-19, the game was played on a poor pitch condition unlike in Japan. Even in such circumstances, the Schalke 04 players performed in a fast-paced environment with excellent technique. Their systematic GK-oriented ball possession and outstanding physical ability put F.C. TOKYO players in a difficult situation. F.C. TOKYO continued to work hard, and the DF players applied strong pressure on ball possession and created many opportunities. However, Schalke’s scoring ability was superior, and the game ended 1-3.

The final match of the German road trip was against SV Werder Bremen U-17.
Although we lost the match 4-5, F.C. TOKYO players were able to sense the sophistication of German football and the need to improve further both as a team and individually. Additionally, through this road trip, we experienced top-level German youth football and encountered cutting-edge techniques.

We would like to challenge with humility and confidence for the Premier League, which will soon begin.

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in carrying out this road trip to Germany.