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The 6th Urawa Reds Cup Yamada Town Heart-full Soccer Tournament (Heart-full Soccer in Tohoku)

For 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Urawa Reds and Urawa Reds Heart-full Club have continuously visited the disaster-stricken areas in Iwate Prefecture, chasing balls with children and sharing the joy of sports, the importance of caring for teammates, and the value of working hard through soccer. They have carried out activities toward the future of Tohoku, and these activities concluded in 2025.
As the town gradually moves from recovery to development, the installation of artificial turf in Yamada Town in 2019 marked the beginning of a new initiative: the "Urawa Reds Cup Yamada Town Heart-full Soccer Tournament," aimed at providing a place for children who will lead the next generation to interact, improve their soccer skills, and revitalize the community. This year marks the 6th edition of the tournament.
This year, the Urawa Reds Ladies Junior Youth team (first-year junior high school students) participated and interacted with local boys and girls teams.

Although the event was in doubt due to the effects of forest fires and earthquakes, we were able to hold the tournament successfully.

For the boys' team, playing against a girls' team, even though it was against a team of older junior youth players, was an invaluable experience as they were able to witness high levels of skill and teamwork, even if the score difference was significant. It was also impressive to see that some coaches and children became interested in girls' soccer.
I believe that Trial opportunity to deepen friendships through "Enjoy Heartful" before the matches, in addition to Trial themselves, was a positive stimulus for all the teams. On the morning of the first day, the pitch was slightly wet due to the rain the previous day, but it wasn't a major issue, and although it was a bit windy, the weather was otherwise favorable. The six participating teams and Reds Ladies U-13 team held a joint Heart-full Soccer, and due to the number of participants, they were divided into three groups for the interaction. I think it was very good that they were able to interact through soccer before the tournament. The U-13 players led the event with their bright and energetic personalities, making it a fun and exciting time.
On the other hand, in the Reds Cup, there was a significant difference in skill level between the participating teams and Reds Ladies U-13 team, which I felt made it difficult for both sides. However, I also feel that holding it as an exhibition match was a good thing in terms of its purpose.
The most important thing was that the tournament ran smoothly without any major injuries throughout. Furthermore, I feel it was very meaningful that teams from various regions gathered under the name "Reds" to engage in exchange and participate in this tournament.
Furthermore, I was impressed by the lack of the intimidating instructions often seen in strong competitive regions from the coaches. Both the children and the coaches seemed to be enjoying the sport itself, rather than being overly focused on winning or losing, and I think it was a tournament with a very positive atmosphere.

I'm sure there were many challenges in unfamiliar environments, such as travel and accommodation, but I was very impressed by how the players took the initiative to support and encourage each other.
During the earthquake disaster learning session, everyone listened intently to the storyteller's account, taking notes. I believe that experiencing the height of the seawall firsthand was a significant learning experience for these girls, who were born after the earthquake. I think they gained a lot from these experiences, not just through soccer, but through experiences that could only be had on-site.
Furthermore, I felt that they were gradually becoming more aware of "carrying Urawa Reds emblem" in their behavior in public places, such as how they spent their time on the Shinkansen and during meals. I think this away trip showed growth not only on the pitch but also in their behavior off the pitch.
Overall, the players were energetic, honest, and cheerful, and they were also very skilled at soccer. From the perspective of the other teams participating in the tournament, I think there were many aspects of their play that could serve as a good example, but even more impressive was their politeness and good manners off the pitch. I was particularly struck by the moment when Mr. Kajiyama of FC Yamada looked at the neatly lined-up backpacks of his players next to the Reds bench and told the children, "This is what makes a strong team."
Also, a first-year junior high school girl (Hinano) who is from FC Yamada came to watch the tournament and was intently watching Trial. After the tournament, it was wonderful to see the Reds players naturally talking to her and passing the ball around with her. It was a moment that showed the connection and consideration that comes through soccer.
This was the first away trip for the Ladies Junior Youth players, and I believe it will serve as a foundation for future team building. The players had a strong desire to "have fun," and the contrast between their cheerful expressions off the pitch and their serious expressions during Trial was very appealing.
Even when there was a large point difference in the friendly match, the ladies' players showed their seriousness and sincerity by playing with all their might without letting up until the very end.
Furthermore, among the sixth-grade boys who participated in the tournament, many seemed embarrassed to hold hands with the female players during Heart-full Soccer activity, but the local coaches were impressed by the girls' proactive attitude in taking on the challenge.
From learning about the disaster-stricken area to their well-mannered behavior in situations other than soccer, and their natural communication through activities like passing the ball, I think this trip left a strong impression on the fans, making them want to continue supporting them in the future.

Throughout the tournament, both the boys' team and the ladies' team felt they gained a lot of learning and inspiration, not only in terms of soccer skills.
I believe this tournament was a valuable opportunity for players to learn important things through soccer, not just about winning or losing, but also about interpersonal relationships, compassion, and gratitude. I hope they will use the experience they gained to fuel their future activities and growth.
I hope this tournament will be one that makes children think, "I want to participate again," and "Next time, I want to win." Also, by actually watching the Reds Trial, new goals and aspirations may be born, which could lead to expanding the circle of the Reds family.
Currently, Heart-full Club 's disaster relief activities have come to a temporary close, but we believe it would be very meaningful for the Reds team to participate in this Reds Cup, and to continue the Heart-full Soccer Exchange, which was held for the first time this time, in the future.
For the Reds team players, participating in disaster-stricken area studies during away games and interacting with children from teams in Iwate Prefecture will be a valuable experience, not only as soccer players but also as individuals.
I believe this tournament was an extremely valuable initiative not only in terms of improving athletic performance, but also in terms of fostering interaction, learning, and connections with the local community. I hope that it will continue and develop further in the future, making it an even more meaningful tournament for the children.

↓↓↓X Live Stream Video↓↓↓

Enjoy 5/4! Heartful

May 4th, Day 1 of the tournament

5/5 Day 2 of the tournament

2026-05-14 10:36

Notice Regarding Applications for the 2026 Heart-full Club

Thank you very much for your continued understanding and support of Urawa Reds Heart-full Club 's activities.

Urawa Reds Heart-full Clinic (Elementary School Class Support/Reds Kids Soccer [Kindergarten/Preschool/Children's Center]/Caravan) will discontinue accepting applications via faxand will switch to online applications starting in fiscal year 2026.

With the introduction of this system, each dispatch request and caravan dispatch fee payment can now be completed online, eliminating errors in sending and receiving faxes and the need for adjustments after application. We aim to provide a smoother and more convenient service.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we would appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We also ask for your continued support of Urawa Reds Heart-full Club 's activities.

■ Start date and time for accepting each dispatch request

[Elementary School Class Support]
　　(1) Hometown priority registration
　　　　Registration opens on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
*Hometown = Former Urawa area and former Yono area (Urawa Ward, Minami Ward, Sakura Ward, Midori Ward, Chuo Ward)

　　(2) Applications accepted from areas other than those listed in (1) above.
　　　Registration opens on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

[Reds Kids Soccer](Kindergarten/Preschool/Children's Center)
[Caravan] (Youth groups, etc.)
　　　　Registration opens on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

*About the caravan
The J.League 2026-27 season (starting in August 2026) will shift from the spring-autumn system used until last year to an "autumn-spring system".
Consequently, the schedule for home games and other events in the J.League 2026-27 season remains undecided.
Therefore, applications for weekends and public holidays from September 2026 to March 2027 will only be accepted after the J.League 2026-27 season schedule has been finalized.
Please be aware of this in advance.

■Next steps
　1.　Please refer to the application guide for dispatch requests.
2. Please create an account in advance. Each organization is requested to register one account. (Multiple accounts are not permitted.)
(By registering in advance, you can complete the process on the first day of registration simply by submitting your dispatch request, saving you time.)
3. Applications will be accepted from the above date and time (those outside the hometown priority area cannot apply until the 17th).

■ Inquiries
Urawa Reds Heart-full School Office
E-mail: heart-full@urawa-reds.co.jp

2026-02-21 11:17

Information regarding applications for Heart-full School students for the 2026 academic year (Heart-full School)

The Urawa Reds Heart-full School aims to convey the joy of soccer and to nurture the heart through soccer.
We are planning to open applications for the third round of school enrollment for the 2026 academic year (April 2026 to March 2027 / 32 sessions per year) at our 6 schools across 5 locations within the prefecture from February 20th (Fri) to March 15th (Sun), 2026.

■ Important Notice Regarding Recruitment
Until now, enrollment for children from 6 years old through the third grade of elementary school was divided into "first and second semesters," but from the 2026 academic year, all grades will be enrolled in a year-round system (April to March of the following year).
Therefore, this is the only time we will be accepting applications (there will be no later applications), so please take this opportunity to apply.

■ Recruitment Schedule (Tentative)
~~First application period: December 1st (Mon) - December 14th (Sun), 2025. Open to all classes.~~
~~Second round of applications: January 7th (Wed) - January 18th (Sun), 2026. Only available classes.~~
Third round of applications (planned): February 20th (Fri) - March 15th (Sun), 2026. Only available classes.
*Please note that if you apply during the third recruitment period, your uniform may not arrive in time for the opening ceremony. Until your uniform arrives, please wear appropriate clothing for playing soccer.

■ Application Overview (Third Call for Applications)
Application period (tentative): February 20th (Fri) - March 15th (Sun), 2025

[Important Notes Regarding Applications]
You may only register for one venue per person.
Applications to multiple venues or incomplete information will result in incomplete application (disqualification).
If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held.
If siblings wish to participate, please register each of them separately.

■Classes eligible for the 3rd round of applications
Monday: Saitama Stadium
Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade
Monday: Yono Hachioji
Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade
Tuesday: Urawa Komaba Tuesday
Kindergarten, 3rd grade, 4th grade
　Girls' Class: Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4
Thursday: Redsland
Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade
Friday: Urawa Komaba Friday
Kindergarten and 6th grade
Friday: Kumagaya Dome
1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade

■ Overview of each venue
[Monday] Saitama Stadium School

Venue: Saitama Stadium 2002, Artificial Turf Soccer Field No. 4
Target audience and time: Kindergarten to 6th grade
Seniors 16:30-17:30 / 1st and 2nd grade 16:30-17:45
3rd grade to 6th grade 18:00-19:15