From Nov 29 (Sat) to Nov 30 (Sun), a 1-night, 2-day trip, FC Tokyo soccer andfutsal school studentswent to Hyogo Prefecture for the "Away Kobe Support Tour"!
At the meeting place, the school students showed various expressions, such as children happy to reunite after a long time and those a little nervous about participating for the first time.
On the Shinkansen, while eating boxed lunches, even students meeting for the first time naturally started communicating with each other.
As scheduled, we arrived at the futsal court inside NOEVIR Stadium Kobe, and the exchange match with Vissel Kobe school students began.
First, as an icebreaker, under the guidance of Vissel Kobe's coach, we played "Tag While Holding Hands" and "Dribbling While Holding Hands."
Although the children were nervous at first, they quickly warmed up to each other, actively talking and smiling more!
After that, they moved on to a color-coded competition with teams mixed from both schools.
As the matches progressed, there were many memorable moments such as coordinated plays and high-fives after goals.
Finally, an exhibition match between FC Tokyo and Vissel Kobe was held.
In the first half, we were surprised by the opponent's skillful play, but in the second half, the team grew more united, fueled by frustration, and each play showed more commitment.
During the match, both teams sang each other's cheering songs, making it a very passionate exchange match.
Finally, we took a group photo with the new friends we met, and the exchange match came to an end.
After that, we went on a tour of NOEVIR Stadium Kobe.
We were guided through places we usually can't enter, such as the press conference room, locker room, player entrance, and warm-up area!
We had valuable experiences such as trying out the role of a coach in the press conference room and learning the story about “a wall that former Vissel Kobe player Lucas Podolski kicked and made a hole in” in the warming-up area.
The second day of the support tour started with waking up at 6 a.m.
Some of the school students woke up at 4 a.m., unable to calm down from the excitement of the previous day.
At breakfast, everyone was lively, talking about the exchange match and the stadium tour!
In the morning, we conducted a disaster experience learning session at Futaba Gakusha.
A former firefighter who was involved in life-saving efforts during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake taught us practical knowledge such as how to tie ropes and rescue methods.
The children engaged with serious expressions, making it a valuable time to learn the importance of protecting lives.
After the experience, we returned to NOEVIR Stadium Kobe.
After having lunch, we watched the FC Tokyo top team’s warm-up!
We were able to see the players’ greetings up close, and when the school students cheered along with the chant, the supporters waved back, creating a warm and heartfelt moment.
And finally, the match viewing.
We stood up together with the supporters and cheered with all our might until the very end.
Although the result was unfortunately a draw, I believe it became an unforgettable match for the school students.
After the match, we bought souvenirs at Shin-Kobe Station and took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
As the tour neared its end, some of the school students were seen with somewhat wistful expressions.
Upon arriving at Tokyo Station, the children called out to each other, "Let's meet again!"
Over the two days, it was evident that they grew significantly not only in soccer but also in their relationships with friends and mentally.
I hope that the experience from this away support tour will serve as a foundation for continued growth!
At the FC Tokyo Soccer and Futsal School, we will continue to hold events unique to FC Tokyo! We look forward to your participation!
