The 14th All Japan Seniors (over 50) Football Tournament, determining the national champions among senior over 50 teams, will get underway on 27 June in Fujieda, Shizuoka. Here we will review the last tournament ahead of this year's tournament opener.

The 13th tournament, held in Obihiro, Hokkaido, was competed among a total of 16 teams consisting of 15 qualified teams from nine regions around the country and the host team Chitose Fifties Sparrow. After playing the first round where the teams were divided into four groups of four, teams topping their group advanced to the final round to compete in a knockout system.

In the first round, Alfoot Azumino Senior (Hokushinetsu 1/Nagano) got through Group A atop. In Group B and C, Hyogo Senior 50 Selection (Kansai 2/Hyogo) and Toyopet Club (Kanto 1/Tokyo) respectively, made a final round berth with clean sheets. In Group D, Aichi Senior 50 (Tokai 1/Aichi) edged Kyoto Prefecture 50 Selection (Kansai 1/Kyoto) to pass through the first round.

The first match of the final round contest (semi-final) between Azumino and Hyogo saw Azumino grab the win after penalty shootouts. In the other matchup, Toyopet, who scored four goals in the first half, beat Aichi 4-0.

The final between Azumino and Toyopet was a close match. Toyopet bench subbed in and out actively in the matches on the way to the final to have the players save their stamina. In the final, the Tokyo-based outfit came close to goal with their trait hard-running.

The opposing Azumino managed to deny Toyopet's fierce attacks with collective defence and looked for a goal-scoring opportunity on counterattacks. After a seesaw battle, Toyopet scored first. In the 8th minute, ONUKI Keiichi met a right cross ball to break a deadlock. 

After that, Toyopet's defence, keeping clean sheets in this tournament, halted Azumino's comeback efforts before the match ended 1-0. Toyopet captain UCHINO Mari represented his team's feelings after their feat of the consecutive titles, saying "All the players including injured players who weren't able to play came to Hokkaido for us. It's the championship title thanks to everyone's effort sticking together.

The 14th tournament will take place during three days between Saturday 27 and Monday 29 June. Come and join to watch heated matches.

The 14th All Japan Seniors (over 50) Football Tournament

Date: Sat. 27 June - Mon. 29 June 2015
Venue: Venues in Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture
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