The 21st All Japan Youth (U-15) Futsal Championship will take place from Saturday 9 to Monday 11 January. For futsal's Japanese title among the U-15 age group, a total of 16 teams – nine regional qualifying teams throughout the country, one team from the host prefecture (Aichi) and top six teams selected based on the number of participating teams in last year (Hokkaido 3, Hokushinetsu 2 & Tokai 1) – play the group stage in four groups, and the best team in each group advance to the final round.

In the past three championship, teams from Niigata Prefecture claimed the titles – Nagaoka JYFC in the 18th and 20th and FC Ikarashi Junior Youth in the 19th championship. As three teams from Niigata – Nagaoka JYFC (Hokushinetsu 1/Niigata), FC Ikarashi Junior Youth (Hokushinetsu 2/Niigata) and Esprit Nagaoka FC U-15 (Hokushinetsu 3/Niigata) - are playing this year as well, the battle for the four consecutive titles by Niigata Prefecture side is likely to be one of the main highlights.

In Group A, Esprit Nagaoka face Consadole Sapporo U-15 (Hokkaido 1/Hokkaido). As their fellow club Consadole Asahikawa finished as runners-up two years ago and reached the last four last year, Sapporo's performance should draw attention. Matsuyama Jyohoku FC (Shikoku/Ehime) and Tsu FC W1 (Tokai 2/Mie) also come out with a determination on their long-cherished championship debut.

Although defending champions Nagaoka JYFC are expected to be Group B's main favourite, Kanto champions Chiba SC U-15 (Kanto/Chiba) and Tsu Rapid FC (Tokai 1/Mie), a regular contender at national championships, are also placed in the same group. The performance of debutant Generale Muroran (Hokkaido 3/Hokkaido) is also something to see. "We will do our best with pride as a Hokkaido representative," says MARUYAMA Ryuki of Generale.

In Group C, FC Brincar (Host Prefecture/Aichi) and FC Ikarashi square off against each other. In the semi-final of the 19th championship, FC Ikarashi beat Brincar 7-4 and climbed up to the spot. The home side come out for this year's championship, trying to get back at them for the disappointment in the last semi-final. Above that, Brincar's elementary school team won last summer's Vermont Cup (All Japan U-12 Futsal Championship). "We will achieve a historic first double national championships," shows coach FURUI Shunpei his enthusiasm. Debutants Athletic Club Hirosaki (Tohoku/Aomori) and ASC Hokkaido U-15 (Hokkaido 2/Hokkaido) also aim to win through the group stage. Fans should watch out how well they play.

Group D has the 15th championship winners Athpegas FC (Kansai/Nara) and two-time champions (13th & 17th) Spread Eagle FC Hakodate (Hokkaido 4/Hokkaido). Athpegas take part in the national competition for the second straight year and have got players who experienced the last championship. As they fell short to get through the group stage despite two wins last year, it is expected that they come out with battling qualities. There are also expectations toward battles by debutant Chikugo Sazan FC Sulestrela (Kyushu/Fukuoka) and Resupol Hamada (Chugoku/Shimane), who aim at the title in their second appearance.

The tournament will get underway on Saturday 9 January at Sky Hall Toyota in Toyota, Aichi. Please visit the tournament determining the top of the junior high age group and watch its heated matches.

All Japan Youth (U-15) Futsal Championship

Sat. 9 January 2016 - Mon. 11 January 2016
Aichi／Sky Hall Toyota
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