The 21st All Japan Youth (U-15) Futsal Championship started from Saturday 9 January at the Sky Hall Toyota in Aichi. The 16 teams, which survived the qualifying round, played to become the best U-15 team in Japan. The first day saw two matches of the first round in each group. Two teams have already got through to the final round through exciting games, which saw swift changes between attack and defence and plenty of goals.

There were some dramatic games in Group C. Although FC Ikarashi Junior Youth (Hokushinetsu 2/Niigata), who won the 19th Championship, and the previous finalists Brincar FC (Host Prefecture/Aichi) were considered to be the favourites, newcomers ASC Hokkaido U-15 (Hokkaido 2/Hokkaido) showcased their strength. In the first match, FC Ikarashi built a one-goal lead against ASC Hokkaido, and the game went into the second half 2-1. In the second half, although ASC Hokkaido levelled the game, the opponent struck a goal once again shortly after that. It became a see-saw game and the match saw many shots on goal. 

After 18 minutes with the score at 6-6, SATO Kanta struck a deciding goal to win the first game. ASC Hokkaido, then, challenged Brincar in a close match. NAKAMURA Toya showed his abilities by scoring a hat trick in two consecutive games. ASC Hokkaido won the match 5-3. As Athletic Club Hirosaki (Tohoku/Aomori) lost two matches in a row, ASC Hokkaido topped group.

The winning teams in Group D also got through to the final round Spread Eagle FC Hakodate (Hokkaido 4/Hokkaido) and Athpegas FC (Kansai/Nara), both of whom have won the championship before, played against each other in the first game. The match had much pace with goals until the end. After 19 minutes with the score at 3-3, KUGA Hazime from FC Hakodate fired a skilful shot, and turned the game in his team’s favour. The team added more insurance and won the match 5-3.

FC Hakodate also showed off their strength against Resupol Hamada (Chugoku/Shimane). After 19 minutes with the score at 6-6, AKENO Shunta struck a deciding goal to win two consecutive games. As Chikugo Sazan FC Sulestrela (Kyushu/Fukuoka) lost two matches in a row, FC Hakodate have already booked a place in the next stage. 

In Group A, Consadole Sapporo U-15 (Hokkaido 1/Hokkaido) is in the lead with two victories. Against Tsu FC W1 (Tokai 2/Mie), the team won a close game, which had been drawn for most of the match but ended 4-2. They built up positive momentum, and won a sweeping victory against Matsuyama Jyohoku FC (Shikoku/Ehime) 7-2 with five goals in the second half. 

In Group B, the previous champions Nagaoka JYFC (Hokushinetsu 1/Niigata) showcased their skills. After beating Generale Muroran (Hokkaido 3/Hokkaido) 8-2 in the first game, the team won against Tsu Rapid FC (Tokai 1/Mie) 8-3. Nagaoka JYFC displayed their attacking strength with 16 goals in two games.

The second day of the tournament on Sunday 10 January will see the last games of the first round in each group, in order to decide the top teams in Group A and Group B. We cannot take our eyes off, since the teams may have to compete on points to get through to the next stage depending on the results. On the other hand, Group C and Group D have already decided the teams for the next round. However, FURUI Shunpei, the coach of Brincar FC, expressed his enthusiasm: “you can’t throw away any matches in a nationwide tournament. We’ll do our best, since it’s the last game for the current team.”

Coach and Players' Comments

GOTO Ryosuke (Tsu FC W1)
Although we expected tough games, we decided to play together to achieve our aim. I believe we showed our achievements in the second game, which we won by two goals. I was frustrated during the game, but my teammates helped me. The opponent really had a strong spirit, not to mention techniques. Having said that, we showed our stronger spirit. All we need is to display what we’ve been practicing. I’ll play hard until the final whistle as a team.

NISHIDA Katsuhiko, Coach (Nagaoka JYFC)
Although the players were nervous in the first match, they gradually enjoyed themselves through each game. They focused on sensing opportunities and risks, while playing responsibly. We, all the players and the staff, are here to play hard for Nagaoka city, Niigata prefecture, as well as for Hokushinetsu, and contribute to our own regions. I hope the players do everything they can.

TOKUDA Tsunenori, Coach (ASC Hokkaido U-15)
As we lost some games in the regional qualifying round, the block qualifiers, and the Hokkaido qualifying round, we improved our defence, rapid attacks, as well as the accuracy of shots and our playing speed. I believe we displayed our achievements in the match. Despite it being the first of this kind of experience for some of us, all of us stayed calm. We are focusing on winning each and every one of the coming games. We’ll play hard, believing in ourselves. 

FURUI Shunpei, Coach (Brincar FC)
We’re devastated that we can’t get through to the final round, as we aimed to win the tournament. However, it was a good opportunity for us to learn how tough competitions can be. As the players were so confident, it was difficult for them to accept our defeat. I hope they will learn from this experience and take themselves to the next level. You can’t throw away any matches in a nationwide tournament. We’d like to do our best on the second day, showing what we learned from the first day’s defeat, as it’s the last game for the current team.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

All Japan Youth (U-15) Futsal Championship

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

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