On Thursday 28 August, the 1st All Japan Youth (U-18) Futsal Tournament will start and on Sunday 31, the U18 generation’s first-ever Futsal champion in Japan will be determined.

To promote and develop futsal, the JFA has currently worked on holding futsal tournaments such as the Vermont Cup (U-12), the All Japan Men’s/Women’s Youth (U-15) Futsal Championship, the All Japan University Futsal Championship, the All Japan University Women’s Futsal Championship, the All Japan Futsal (Puma Cup) and the Enjoy 5. In addition to them, the JFA has decided to hold championship to determine a futsal champion among the U-18 generation.

The new tournament was launched to aim for development of players selecting best possible plays with an instant decision-making in limited space, coping with prompt transitions between attacking and defending, creating collective efforts with not only individual skills but also outstanding passes, eyeing for the future to play in the F-League after refining their futsal skills and improving their football skills to play at a higher level.

Comment

Matsuzaki Yasuhiro, Futsal Committee Chairman
When I watch the Prince Takamado Trophy or the High School Soccer Tournament, the U-18 generation impresses me with their plays and their energy and cheerfulness. I always feel like, “wow, what a play, wonderful!” The same goes for Futsal. “How would it be if they played like this in football?” “He must be good enough to play in the F-League?” I don’t have many opportunities to attend games, but whenever I see them, I feel there are dreams among the U-18 futsal players.
One of such dreams is the AFC U-21 Futsal Championship in 2017. I believe players who do great in this tournament will bring the championship trophy from the Asian stage to Japan.
Dream comes true!!

The 1st All Japan Youth (U-18) Futsal Tournament presented by BallBall

Thursday 28 August to Sunday 31 August, 2014
Ota-City General Gymnasium, Sumida City Gymnasium both in Tokyo
Check here for championship information including the group placing.　(Japanese version only)