You can meet nearby! Kochi United SC players aiming to become J-Leaguers while working at a local company Part 1

Kochi United Sports Club (SC) continues to make a breakthrough in the Japan Football League (JFL) under the slogan "From Kochi to J". The players are chasing the dream of the birth of Kochi's first J-team while working at various companies in Kochi Prefecture. This time, we will introduce three players who are involved in the customer service business and who can meet.

Team Introduction & Season 2024

Kochi United SC is a team belonging to the Japan Football League (JFL) whose home town is Kochi Prefecture. The outline of the team and interviews with director Takeshi Yoshimoto are also introduced on this page. Check it out!

Aiming to enter the first J League in Kochi Prefecture. "Kochi United SC"

※This is the information as of March 2023.

Since joining the JFL, Kochi United SC has increased its ranking year by year, reaching the highest number in 2023. And even in the 2024 season, that breakthrough will not stop. He recorded the opening seven consecutive victories, and currently (as of June 28) 11 wins and 2 losses. We have a winning point of 33, and we are running alone in the first place, making a big difference from second place. The goal was +17, which overwhelmed the other teams.

Everyone's support is essential for promoting J3

The slogan of Kochi United SC is "From Kochi to J." The goal is to create the first J League team in Kochi Prefecture, and the players are also working hard to become a dream J-Leaguer. And that dream is becoming a reality!

However, in order for Kochi United SC to enter J3 from JFL next season, various conditions must be met. The following two are the main ones.

First, the final ranking of the JFL league match this season must be within 2nd place.

Second, the average number of visitors per home game in the JFL league match this season has reached 2,000, and the annual admission fee income has reached 10 million yen.

There are 21,598 remaining games.

In other words, we need our supporters to go to Haruno General Sports Park to support us. Therefore, I would like many people to know more about players who are not on the pitch and become fans of the players.

Players who balance football and work

This is an introduction of players who can go to meet aiming to become J-Leaguers while being involved in the hospitality business in Kochi Prefecture.

Shinya Shoki (player)

At first, the FW player Shinya Masaki. 26 years old, born on June 12, 1998, is from Kyoto Prefecture. The first tea hair is a trademark! (You said your wife dyed me.)

- The team is in good shape this season!

"I've created opportunities from set play and counter, and the forward is able to score well. In addition, it is also important that the defense is stable and there are few faults. I think that the development that destroys the opponent's defense is also attractive to the team this season. I hope you will see it at the venue.”

Do you know anything about young players?

"I'm not a captain, but I may be aware of it, showing that I'm working hard during the game, actively speaking out, and I'm aware of that."

- Pulling everyone, Mr. Shintani. After practice, he works at the Home Center Buriko Pier in Futagami Co., Ltd.

“At the store, we always try to be bright. In the fourth year, the scope of work has expanded. Personally, since I came to Kochi, I started camping, so when I put out camping goods, I will be very interested and see it! Everyone in the store will support you. It will be very encouraging. Please call me when you come to the store to shop.”

ー Finally, please let me know if you have a motto or a thought you value.

“Thank you every day.” In the first year since I came to Kochi, I couldn't play the game due to injury, but my wife and everyone in the workplace supported me. I am grateful for the fact that I am playing soccer now and for everything, and I want to do my best to aim for J3.”

Next are the two young players who joined Kochi United SC this season.

Kato Seigo player

First of all, Seigo Kato of the DF. I am 22 years old, born on January 21, 2002, from Tokyo.

ー It is my first Kochi, how do you live?

"It's very easy to live. In the dormitory, Mr. Shihomi (He is the president and dormitory mother of Kochi United SC!) He made a delicious meal and felt like a second mother. Thank you for having food.”

How is the atmosphere of the team?

"Everyone is close, but during practice and game, seniors say things tough. I think it’s a very good team that we can get together.”

Kato is working at a sweets shop "SHIMANTO ZIGURI" operated by Shimanto Drama Co., Ltd. in the complex "Tosanosato Agricolette".

ーIt seems that it was the first time to serve customers and make sweets.

"I was surprised when I heard that I made sweets myself. We also sell cash registers, sell products, and prepare topping materials, but now we are enjoying ourselves."

-The employee of the store said, "Kato swallowed so fast that I was surprised to do anything. I’m like my son, and I support both football and work.”

"I'm very grateful to say gentle words that I can give priority to soccer practice. Help me and say, “You have to work hard! "I think. I think most of the customers who come to the store do not know that I am a Kochi United SC player. Please come to the shop and call me!” 。

- Kato likes reading and has recently been hooked on self-help books. What is the future goal of Mr. Kato?

“As a team, of course, J. As an individual, I haven’t been on the bench yet this season, so I want to go out and contribute to the team’s victory.”

The specialty of "SHIMANTO ZIGURI" is a luxurious Mont Blanc featuring brand chestnuts and Shimanto chi chestnuts. In addition, you can take out "Kuriole" and tea. Please go to the store to buy sweets and send a message of support to Kato!

Aoi Iwase player

Finally, DF's Aoi Iwase. I am 22 years old, born on November 25, 2001, from Osaka Prefecture.

What is your impression of Kochi?

"People are very warm. The team doesn't have much upper and lower relationships, and everyone is friendly. In addition, I can practice on the well-maintained natural turf ground and feel that I am blessed with the environment."

- Shintani described Iwase as "In a good sense! [Laughs],” he said. How about you?

“All the seniors are kind. I mean, it's a team that can not be afraid. You may not be able to move your personality.”

ー Iwase has a calm impression despite the first year. He works at Hamat Azouno, the home center of Futagami Co., Ltd.

"I'm giving out products, but there are too many products and there are replacements, so I can't easily remember the place. But I try to hear honestly that I don't know what I don't understand. If you are in trouble when asked by a customer, we will ask the staff for help. I’m helping around.”

ー What kind of voice can you hear from the staff of the store?

"Everyone supports me, and there are seniors in my workplace who go to home games every game. I want to enjoy working and playing football.”

ーPlease tell us your goals at the end.

"Of course, J. It’s best to go on the team! I'll do my best."

Announcement of the upcoming home game [Next game Sunday, June 30]

Finally, I would like to inform you of the schedule for the upcoming home match.
On June 30 (Sun), JFL Section 14 Battle of Briobecca Urayasu. Kick off at 14:00 at Kochi Prefectural Haruno General Sports Park Stadium.
Cheering will help the players! Let's all go to Haruno and support Kochi United SC!

The home match after August is as follows.

Saturday, August 31 → Sunday, September 1
JFL Section 18 Battle of Verspa Oita
Kochi Prefectural Haruno General Sports Park Athletics Stadium
18:00 kick-off → 15:00 kick-off

Sunday, September 15
JFL Section 20 FCtiamo Competition
Kochi Prefectural Haruno General Sports Park Athletics Stadium
15:00 kick-off

Sunday, October 6
JFL Section 23 Battle of Tochigi City
Kochi Prefectural Haruno General Sports Park Athletics Stadium
13 o'clock kick-off

Sunday, October 20
JFL Section 25: Battle of Okinawa SV
Kochi Prefectural Haruno General Sports Park Athletics Stadium
13 o'clock kick-off

Sunday, November 10
JFL Section 28 against Sony Sendai FC
Kochi Prefectural Haruno General Sports Park Athletics Stadium
13 o'clock kick-off

Sunday, November 24
JFL Section 30 Clearson Shinjuku Battle
Kochi Prefectural Haruno General Sports Park Athletics Stadium
13 o'clock kick-off

Hot ale to the players at the game venue! Also, please send the voices of support directly to the players introduced this time when shopping.

The second post follows this article, “You can meet nearby! Kochi United SC players who aim to become J-Leaguer while working at a local company Part 2 will be released soon! Please look forward to it.

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