On Saturday 16 June, teams participating in the U-16 International Dream Cup; U-16 teams of Japan, Spain, Senegal, and Paraguay paid a visit to the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in Sendai city. The teams later took part in a cultural experience programme to learn the Japanese culture.

The players first visited the Sendai Arahama Elementary School. The school is located in Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi where many residents were affected by the tsunami which followed the earthquake. The tsunami reached the second floor of the four-story school. The school has been closed since, while the iron fence that was toppled by the tsunami has been preserved as is, and the class rooms are now used to exhibit photos and films of the area right after the incident. Players coming from an inland country like Paraguay who are not familiar with tsunamis, and players from Senegal who has nearly ever experienced an earthquake listened closely to what the guild had to say and observed each display items carefully.

After their visit to Arahama Elementary School, players were separated into groups with mixed variety of nations to learn the Japanese culture of calligraphy and origami. The players were assisted by the local students of Seiwa Gakuen High School and instructors of calligraphy and origami to complete their art work. Under a relaxed atmosphere, the player were seen communicating with English and body gestures not only among players, but with the local high school students as well.

The tournament will enter the final day on Sunday 17 June. Spain leads the pack while Paraguay and Senegal are both behind by a mere point. U-16 Senegal and U-16 Paraguay will kick-off their match on 11:30 at Yurtec STADIUM SENDAI. U-16 Japan who has yet to earn a point in the competition will face U-16 Spain on 14:30. Admissions are free for both matches.

Coach and Players' Comments

FW #18 TANAKA Zen (U-16 Japan National Team)
This is a once in a life time experience, and I was able to spend a great time with people from different countries. It gave us a great opportunity to refresh ourselves, and we were able to prepare ourselves ahead of tomorrow’s match.

Carlos Humberto Paredes Monges, Coach (U-16 Paraguay National Team)
I have come to Japan as a member of the Paraguay National Team in the 2002 World Cup, and coincidently, these players I coach now were born in that same year. Many say there is something magical about football. As a child, I have always dreamed of playing in the World Cup and it came true, as I had the opportunity to play three times at the World Cup. And now, football has led me to this country once again, now in charge to coach players who was born in a memorable year for me. Coach SAITO Toshihide of the Japanese team reached out to me during the reception, mentioning that he recognised my face and I certainly remembered him as well. This is another magical moment in football, where two players who played against each other reunites after several years, in a different form, but still through football. Japan has devoted themselves into football and with their dedication the overall level has gone up from years back. The struggles to catch up with the world is an essential step. I think Japan will get there soon.

GK #1 Antonio Damian Gonzalez (U-16 Paraguay National Team)
I have only seen the effects of the earthquake through TV programmes and YouTube videos, so seeing the ruins of the earthquake and tsunami in first hand was very shocking to me. There maybe not much we can do to help, but we will continue to support Japan, and I want the people of Japan to know that our hearts are with them at all times.

FW #18 Diego Lorenzo (U-16 Spain National Team)
I am glad to take part in such rare experience. Even though I couldn’t read what I wrote, I enjoyed the calligraphy more. It gave me a precious experience to make new friends.

Wed. 13, Fri. 15, Sun. 17 June 2018 [Free Admission]
Japan/Senegal/Spain/Paraguay
Yurtec STADIUM SENDAI, Miyagi

Tournament Information