The JFA 46th U-12 Japan Football Championship, which decides the best team in the primary schools age group, started in Kagoshima, and on Monday 26 December, the first and second rounds of the group stage were held at Kagoshima Fureai Sportsland.

In Group D, Desafio CF (Kagawa) clashed with Palaistra (Gunma). Although the match started with Palaistra dominating the ball possession, led by OKADA Keito, Desafio displayed tenacious defence to keep the first half scoreless.

In the second half, Palaistra started to take advantage of their speed to penetrate the flanks, which led to the opening goal scored in the 25th minute, when KAKEMIZU Fura converted a cross from the right. The Gunma side quickly doubled their lead with a goal scored by YAMAMOTO Hikari off of a counterattack. Despite the late efforts made by Desafio, Palaistra walked away with a 2-0 victory.

A match between V-Varen Nagasaki U-12 (Nagasaki) and Ventforet Kofu U-12 (Yamanashi) took place in Group A. After neither team was able to earn three points in their first match, the game became fiercely contested with both teams battling for their first win.

The match started with Kofu taking the initiative, but Nagasaki showed discipline defence to keep the opposition from entering their penalty area. The deadlock was broken in the 24th minute, when YAMAGUCHI Akito converted the through ball delivered by HORII Ayuki, which turned out to be the decisive goal that gave Nagasaki the win.

FC.Seresta (Miyazaki) and Konan Minami SS (Saitama 2) squared off in Group E. While Konan Minami sought for opportunities from their long throws and side attacks, Seresta created chances from counterattacks.

ABE Kanta scored the first goal on a counterattack to give Seresta the lead in the fifth minute. Before halftime, Abe added another goal to his tally in the 19th minute. Konan Minami made a late surge in the second half, but Seresta ultimately won 2-0.

As an initiative to allow high school students to officiate matches, the tournament has introduced youth referees, but this was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Youth referees are back this year for the first time in three years, and high school students are lending their energetic and crisp movements to the competitive games.

The third round of the group stage as well as the round of 16 will take place on Tuesday 27 December.

Coaches and Players' Comments

OKADA Keito (Desafio CF/Kagawa)
The first match we played was very difficult, and we were very frustrated. We were unable to connect passes and finish our plays with a shot. In order to score goals, we need to finish our plays with a shot. We also need to do a better job connecting passes from our defence line. We will continue to do our best to reach the knockout stage.

YAMAGUCHI Akito (V-Varen Nagasaki U-12/Yamanashi)
I focused on winning the duels against the opposing defenders. (Reflecting on his goal in the second round) HORII Ayuki delivered a great pass, so I am glad I was able to convert it. We entered this match determined to win. We are an energetic team that can score goals from side-attacks. My ability to exploit the spaces behind the opposing defence line is my forte, so I hope to make use of my strengths to help the team win.

KAWANO Jo, Coach (Renofa Yamaguchi West FC/Yamaguchi)
I think our approach to this tournament was not bad, but with this being our first national competition, we were unable to display what we had been working on. We spoke during halftime that we can still get back in the game if we score a goal. I also told them that we need to make the most of each ball possession and be more aggressive to win the ball. This is our first year since changing our team’s name, so we are playing with a challenger’s spirit. We will continue to give our best in the remainder of the competition.

EGASHIRA Shun, Coach (Sagan Tosu U-12/Saga)
We looked a bit stiff in the first match but managed to defend tenaciously and score goals from set-pieces. Our team is working step-by-step to accomplish our objective of making it to the quarterfinals. The players did well to make adjustments to the system change we made during the match. The players have been playing multiple positions, which gives us the flexibility to try different systems.

JFA 46th U-12 Japan Football Championship

Tournament Dates: Mon. 26 - Thu. 29 December 2022
Venues:
1st Round/Round of 16
Kagoshima Fureai Sportsland (Kagoshima)

Quarterfinals
Kamoike Auxiliary Stadium (Kagoshima)

Semi-Finals/Final
Shiranami Stadium (Kagoshima)

Tournament Information