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Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior (Kanto District No. 2 representative from Ibaraki) secured their second championship since the 2022 tournament. After a convincing 4-1 victory over Nishinomiya Soccer School (Kanto District No. 2 representative from Hyogo) in the semifinals, they carried their aggressive style into the final, edging out Kawasaki Frontale (Kanto District No. 1 representative from Kanagawa) 1-0. Mirroring the resilience of their top team, which recently reclaimed the J1 League title, the youngsters forcefully grasped the trophy.
Relentlessly chasing down speedy wingers, they prevented crosses from being delivered. Even when seemingly beaten, they pursued a second and third time. Against opponents attempting flashy turns, they swarmed with two or three players to win the ball back. They have faced Kawasaki Frontale numerous times, including in practice matches. Head coach Masahiro Nasukawa described them as “a worthy rival we know inside out, and trying to surpass them always helps our players grow.” To get the upper hand, the team focused on “obsession” with the ball and victory. “I tell them that without that, they won’t become professional players for the top team,” Nasukawa said, embodying the Kashima DNA.
The goal-scoring scene was symbolic of the team’s strength. Left-sided player Keian Nerome (6th grade), known for his attacking flair (“I’m good at cutting in and dribbling”), defended from a high position as part of the team’s pressing strategy. After winning the ball as planned, he could have shot himself but instead passed to younger teammate Yoshito Nakajima (one year his junior), setting up the decisive goal.
Balancing enjoyment with the desire to win is a perennial challenge for youth development, as Nasukawa admitted: “It’s difficult.” But the club has found its direction. “We never say you must win. But we tell them that showing the will not to lose, and competing seriously in practice, is what makes it fun and helps them grow,” he explained. Their daily pursuit of this philosophy culminated in victory.
Having tasted the joy of winning, the team now looks ahead. Captain Ryota Kato said, “We want to be a team that keeps winning national titles.” Nasukawa added with a smile, “I hope this win will have a positive influence on the top team as well.” Following the club’s DNA, the entire organization continues to grow.
Quarterfinals:
– Kawasaki Frontale 0-0 (PK 3-1) Vissel Kobe
– Resist FC 1-0 SEPALADA Sports Club
– Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior 6-0 Zweigen Kanazawa
– Nishinomiya Soccer School 0-0 (aet 1-0) Sagan Tosu
Semifinals:
– Kawasaki Frontale 2-1 Resist FC
– Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior 4-1 Nishinomiya Soccer School
Final:
– Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior 1-0 Kawasaki Frontale
