On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Kamakura International FC hosted the 3rd Cresta Cup at Gold Crest Stadium Kamakura, sponsored by Spic Corporation. This tournament was held with the goal of 'purely enjoying soccer and nurturing children's ability to think and act for themselves (autonomy and proactiveness),' with eight youth teams participating. As one of the core values of the Cresta Cup, a 'Sportsmanship Training' session was conducted for participants beforehand. The tournament was played in a league format with half-court, 8-a-side matches, ensuring each team played multiple games. Emphasis was placed on creating an environment where children could make their own decisions and play, with rules such as ensuring all players received equal playing time and prohibiting coaches from giving instructions from the bench during games. Beyond just the play on the field, respecting teammates and opponents was established as a common understanding for the entire event, aiming to balance both competitive and personal growth. The sportsmanship training was held online on Friday, February 13, 2026, with approximately 40 players, parents, and coaches attending. The instructor, Akihiko Kamikawa, the Junior Youth Director and School Principal of Kamakura International FC and a certified member of the Japan Sportsmanship Association (JSA), led a lecture on 'What is sports?' and 'What is sportsmanship?' to encourage active thinking among participants. The training shared principles for achieving a 'Good Game' based on the three elements of 'respect,' 'courage,' and 'commitment,' providing an opportunity not only for children but also for parents and coaches to reflect on their own involvement. On the day of the Cresta Cup, many children were seen making their own decisions while playing and encouraging their teammates. A respectful attitude towards opponents and referees was evident throughout the matches, demonstrating that the values learned in the pre-tournament training were reflected in their actions and behavior. Post-tournament surveys included comments like, 'I learned the importance of respecting the opponent, regardless of winning or losing,' and 'It was a valuable opportunity to think together with my child,' indicating that the initiative led to a shift in participants' awareness. Through this tournament and training, it was confirmed that when children, parents, and coaches learn together, a common understanding is created, forming a foundation for practicing sportsmanship. The Cresta Cup serves not merely as a competition, but as a place for 'nurturing better people.' Kamakura International FC will continue to work with the community to develop human resources and create value through sports. About Kamakura International FC Location: NEKTON Ofuna #01, 4F Shonan 5th Building, 1-12-10 Ofuna, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0056 Home Ground: Gold Crest Stadium Kamakura, 3-8-43 Dai, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0061 Representative: Kentaro Shikata Kamakura International FC (commonly known as Kamakura Inter) was established in January 2018 with the aim of internationalizing Japan through soccer, the world's most popular sport by participation and viewership. Currently competing in the first division of the Kanagawa Prefectural Adult Soccer League, the club is building its strength with an eye on joining the J-League in the near future. Its vision is 'CLUB WITHOUT BORDERS.' The club aims to create a soccer club without 'borders' of any kind, such as race, religion, gender, or age. Concurrently, it focuses on developing players and talent who can succeed overseas, producing global talent from Kamakura. Club Official Website here. About Kamakura Inter's Stadiums [Closed] Minna no Hato Sablé Stadium (Hato Sta) Location: 634-1 Kajiwara, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0063 Built in 2021, 'Hato Sta' recorded over 500 spectators for official club matches and hosted the 'Hato Sta Festival' in August 2024, which drew over 5,600 attendees—an unprecedented scale for a Kanagawa 1st division league—serving as a hub for the local community. Beyond its activities as a soccer club, Kamakura Inter has engaged with the community by utilizing its home stadium as a place for children's development through soccer and cheerleading schools, and as a venue for seniors to connect and stay healthy through ground golf and health exercise classes. In 2024, the club also joined the 'Muraoka/Fukasawa Health Innovation Social Implementation Consortium,' actively contributing to Kamakura's municipal administration through activities aimed at creating a well-being-focused community centered around the stadium. [Operating from Jan 2025] Gold Crest Stadium Kamakura (Cresta) Location: 3-8-... Dai, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0061

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News