On Saturday 25 December, the Japan Inclusive Football Federation (JIFF) held its annual JIFF Inclusive Football Festa, which has been held since the federation's inaugural year in 2016, at Futsal Stage (Tama, Tokyo). For the first time, the event was held both in person and online, aiming for a more inclusive format that “does not exclude anyone,” so that people who live far away or have difficulty getting out of their houses due to the Covid-19 pandemic can participate.

The first and second parts of the day were dedicated to “Mix-and-match football” and “Mix-and-match football online” for primary and secondary school children. Participants enjoyed a variety of activities, starting with dancing, followed by activities using a ball, and then a game of mix-and-match football. For the third part of the day, everyone was invited to participate in a mix-and-match walking football game, where people of all ages could have fun together. The whole event was attended by a total of 102 people of different ages and genders, with and without disabilities.

The event was supported by JIFF partner companies and supporting organisations, as well as the J.League, F.League, WE League, Nadeshiko League, 100 Year Vision clubs, and inclusive football teams in Tokyo.

Mr. ISHIKAWA Naohiro (FC Tokyo) and Mr. OKAMOTO Tatsuya (Criacao Shinjuku) joined the event as guests to add to the excitement.

Thank you very much to all the participants and everyone involved in this event.

Organisers’ Comment

Ms. INOUE Yuiko (Japan Inclusive Football Federation)
During the year 2021, JIFF has held several meetings of the Tokyo Inclusive Collaboration Conference to build networks and partnerships between the J.League, F.League, WE League, Nadeshiko League,100 Year Vision clubs, and inclusive football teams in Tokyo. As one of the results of our efforts, many clubs, teams, and organisations participated in this JIFF Inclusive Football Festa 2021, and we were able to create the event together as "Team Tokyo" from the planning phase. This new initiative to run the event in person and online simultaneously was a challenge, but thanks to the great teamwork of the staff and coaches, we were able to see a lot of smiles on the faces of the participants. We will continue to work with local clubs, teams, and organisations to ensure that this initiative will not be a one-time event, and that we continue to create inclusive environments.

Participants' Comment

Our child really enjoyed the opportunity to play a different kind of football, which he would not have been able to experience at a normal football school. We could see from the expressions on their faces while they were playing, and the exhilaration they showed afterwards, that they had a great time. Our child doesn't usually share his feelings about an activity, so we were very impressed when he came back to us saying that he had a lot of fun today. He is very shy and often feels uncomfortable in new places, but the staff made him feel at ease and we were very touched by their kind gestures. It was a great experience for me to see the different values through football, and I am very happy that I was able to deepen the bond with my child today. We hope to attend again next time!