In an effort for "the Promotion of Grassroots Football" which is one of the organisation's five top-priority tasks to address, Japan Football Association announced "the JFA Declaration on Grassroots Football" today, 15th of May, celebrating the International Day of Families proclaimed by United Nations, AFC Grassroots Football Day and the Anniversary of J-League.

Announcement of "The JFA Declaration on Grassroots Football"

DAINI Kuniya, President of Japan Football Association

Hello, everyone.

Today, 15th of May, is the International Day of Families proclaimed by United Nations as well as the AFC Grassroots Football Day and the Anniversary Day of J-League.

At the press conference held when I was re-elected as the President of JFA last month, I placed “Promotion of Grassroots Football” as one of the five top-priority tasks the association would address. In order to strongly promote “the activities for anyone to enjoy football any time and any place,” we announce “The JFA Declaration on Grassroots Football” today.

Hello, everyone.

Today, 15th of May, is the International Day of Families proclaimed by United Nations as well as the AFC Grassroots Football Day and the Anniversary Day of J-League.

At the press conference held when I was re-elected as the President of JFA last month, I placed “Promotion of Grassroots Football” as one of the five top-priority tasks the association would address. In order to strongly promote “the activities for anyone to enjoy football any time and any place,” we announce “The JFA Declaration on Grassroots Football” today.

The JFA Declaration on Grassroots Football

Football for All
Bringing Football Closer to Everyone

Regardless of age, gender, disability or race,
football is for anyone, any time and any place.
Japan Football Association wish to share and enhance the beauty of football and sports
with more and more people

・We’ll invite everyone to feel the joy of football!
　　by creating variety of fantastic opportunities to meet football

・We’ll make football more accessible to everyone!
　　by offering more and more options matching your needs and wants

・We’ll make sure everyone will find real happiness in playing football!
　　by ensuring safe and secure environment to enjoy football

That is the Declaration.

JFA must aggressively promote not only the top level football but also the grassroots football activities in cooperation with prefectural football associations, J-League and other football-related federations.

Over the years, we have been committed to the U-12 youth development and coach education with the other developments of kids, junior high school, women’s football and futsal under the Captain’s Mission.
　
We will continue and enhance these efforts. In addition, every aspect of every category, including sports for the disabled, will be in our picture for the future development. We believe we could further contribute to the development of the society as the leading organisation of sports in Japan, Asia and the world through this endeavour.
　
In particular, we have launched the cross-departmental project groups in JFA and they have already started to study. The study covers from women’s football, futsal and beach soccer to football for schools, clubs and veterans and sports for the disabled.
　
As well as for your continued support to the National Teams, I would like to ask for your further understanding and cooperation in the grassroots football promoted by JFA.

MURAI Mitsuru, Vice President of Japan Football Association/Chairman of J-League

I am so happy to be here today to witness the announcement of the JFA Declaration on Grassroots Football.

“Through football, we realize that sports can bring to our lives- the soundness of our bodies, the expansion of our minds, and the enrichment of our societies.”- this is the common ideal of JFA and J-League. The declaration aims to create the environment for everyone to enjoy football. It is also the ideal of the J-League which is advocated in its “Hundred Year Vision.”

Currently, J-League has 51 member clubs in 36 prefectures. We believe that Grassroots Football plays the central role to create ideal football environment all over the country.

“Anyone, any time and any place.” This order is important. Also, the sub title has “to Everyone.” It is a great message expressing the essence of football which is opened for everyone. Kids, families, women, seniors and foreigners- everyone, including you here today, can enjoy sports.

In cooperation with JFA, J-League will continue to contribute in the football development.