The 2019 edition of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League will kick-off their first Sec. of the league to start off the season that will take place in the next seven months. The opening matches will be played at AGF Field (Tokyo) for the EAST division, while the matches for the WEST division will take place at Yanmar Field Nagai and Yanmar Stadium Nagai (Osaka).

EAST

Last season, Kashima Antlers Youth (Ibaraki) started off the season with eight consecutive victories to lead the pack. While Kashima conceded the least goals in the league, it was Aomori Yamada High School (Aomori) who registered the most goals and carried an impressive 16 match undefeated streak until losing to Shimizu S-Pulse Youth (Shizuoka) in the 17th Sec. At the end, it was Kashima’s solid defence that prevailed to earn the league title.

Despite seeing a change in their bench, with Coach NAKAMURA Kosei getting promoted to take the helm for Kashima in the new season, the Antlers’ Spirit will certainly be inherited to the new squad. The presence of YAMADA Taiki in goal gives them a solid base in their defence, and if they can capitalise on their set-plays to convert their few chances, we will be looking at another great start to the season for the defending division champions.

Aomori Yamada will be seeking for their first title in three years with their two standout players, midfielder TAKEDA Hidetoshi and defender FUJIWARA Yudai. With the team seeing a major change in their line-up, a crucial point will be on whether they can sustain their high-level defence, that had been their team trademark over the years. For Shimizu, who finished in third place last season, this will be their final year with the players who won the junior high school triple crown. It will be interesting to see if forward KAWAMOTO Riyo will be converted as a fullback to threaten the flanks along with defender SUZUKI Mizuki to earn their title at the high school level.

WEST

Last season, the title race came down to the final Sec. as three teams were still in contention to take the title. It was Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C Youth (Hiroshima) who was crowned at the end. Despite their shaky performances in the early part of the season, the Hiroshima side gradually improved over the course, and managed to stay unbeaten from the ninth Sec. and on. With the season title at stake, they defeated Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 (Kyoto) 6-1 in their final Sec. and went onto earn their third ever national title by beating Kashima at the final.

With their eyes set for a repeat, the team will be led by their captain DOHI Kodai and the likes of HOSOYA Kohei to execute their possession style football. Forward AYUKAWA Shun, who scored the deciding goal in last season’s final, is present upfront for the team. If they can get off to a good start, the defending champions are certainly in contention to lead the pack this season as well.

Nagoya Grampus U-18 (Aichi) looks to be the top contender against Hiroshima, after finishing third in the league last season. With the U-18 Japan National Team member MITSUI Daiki defending the goal, and with U-17 Japan National Team defender SUMI Seiga in the line-up, it’s not hard to tell that they have one of the best defences in the WEST. ISHIDA Ryotaro and SAKAKIBARA Kyota has shown great improvements in offence, and if they can reach their full potential, the Nagoya side will surely be in contention to capture their first ever title. Last year’s runners-up, Gamba Osaka Youth (Osaka) cannot be overlooked as well. With many top prospects in their line-up, including their captain TSUKAMOTO Dai and the likes of MESHINO Soma, their attacking third is full of threats. If they can sustain a consistent performance in their defence, their first title in four years is within their grasp.

Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League 2019

Tournament Duration: Sat. 6 April – Sun. 8 December 2019

EAST 1st Sec.

Sat. 6 April 2019
11:00 Funabashi Municipal High School vs Jubilo Iwata U-18 (AGF Field)
13:30 Kashiwa Reysol U-18 vs Shoshi High School (AGF Field)

Sun. 7 April 2019
10:30 Urawa Red Diamonds Youth vs Shimizu S-Pulse Youth (AGF Field)
13:00 Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School vs Aomori Yamada High School (AGF Field)
15:30 Omiya Ardija U18 vs Kashima Antlers Youth (AGF Field)

WEST 1st Sec.

Sat. 6 April 2019
11:00 Nagoya Grampus U-18 vs Ehime FC U-18 (Yanmar Field Nagai)
13:30 Gamba Osaka Youth vs Ozu High School (Yanmar Field Nagai)
15:45 Cerezo Osaka U-18 vs Higashi Fukuoka High School (Yanmar Stadium Nagai)

Sun. 7 April 2019
11:00 Vissel Kobe U-18 vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C Youth (Yanmar Stadium Nagai)
13:30 Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 vs Avispa Fukuoka U-18 (Yanmar Stadium Nagai)

Tournament Information