Our work

02-4REALE CUP

Overview

The REALE CUP is a football tournament centred on the themes of “Giving It Your All and Contributing to Society.” Professional event production, impressive trophies and medals, and additional prizes create an atmosphere similar to that of a professional match, inspiring children to give it their all. The main purpose of the tournament is to ignite the children’s desire to win and to give them an opportunity to develop the strength to recover from the disappointment of losing—like forming a protective “scab over the heart.” As a condition of participation, each player brings one item to donate to children in developing countries. Through this, the children have the opportunity to experience social contribution firsthand. The REALE CUP is a unique tournament that provides children with diverse opportunities to learn.



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We Want Children to Fully Experience Both the Joy of Winning and the Disappointment of Losing

The championship trophy is larger than anything the children have ever seen. On the day of the tournament, professional and former professional football players, along with members of the football community, attend the event. Outstanding players from each match, as well as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer, are recognised with trophies.

“We’re going to win!” Both children and adults become fully engaged, and the players run across the pitch with complete determination.

The REALE CUP exists to give children the opportunity to discover that, through giving their all, experiencing overwhelming joy and disappointment, and finding the strength to get back on their feet after setbacks, they already have that strength within themselves. We invite you to witness the moment when their inner strength begins to shine.

Giving Japanese Children an Opportunity to Become Interested in Social Contribution

In most football tournaments, players participate by paying an entry fee. At the REALE CUP, participation takes the form of making a donation to the WORLD FRIENDS PROJECT, a social contribution initiative led by REALE WORLD.

Children are asked to bring one item that they no longer use—such as something that is still in good condition but no longer fits—to be donated to children in developing countries.

Through this experience, Japanese children, for whom opportunities to engage in social contribution may still be limited, are given the chance to take part and discover its value.

 

MCs, Sound, and Photographers — Experience the Atmosphere of a Professional Match

One of the unique features of the REALE CUP is its professional match-day atmosphere, rarely experienced at a children’s football tournament. As the FIFA anthem plays, the children walk onto the pitch with proud, determined expressions. The MCs and sound team bring excitement to the venue, while photographers capture the players’ passion and the enthusiasm of their supporters.

Behind the scenes, parents, coaches, staff, and board members of FC REALE work together to make the tournament possible.

By giving children the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a professional match, the REALE CUP inspires them to give their very best. Many participating teams and players tell us, “We want to come back and play again.”

Enriching Learning Through Food, Well-Being, and Understanding the Communities We Support

During the tournament, we offer special educational sessions that everyone attending—not only the players—can listen to and learn from.

Past sessions have included a food education seminar for young athletes, where participants learned practical ideas they could immediately apply in their daily lives. We also provide opportunities to learn about the developing countries where donated shoes and other items are delivered through the WORLD FRIENDS PROJECT.

Special guests are sometimes invited to share their experiences, making each tournament an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience for everyone.

REALE CUP History

May 2019

1st U-12 REALE CUP 2019

Eight teams from Shizuoka Prefecture participated. A total of 181 pairs of football shoes were donated and delivered to Nepal.

March 2021

2nd U-8 REALE CUP 2021

The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second tournament was held in 2021, with nine teams from Shizuoka Prefecture participating. A total of 132 pairs of football shoes were donated and delivered to Kenya in May 2022.

October 2021

3rd U-12 REALE CUP 2021

Eight teams from Shizuoka Prefecture participated. A total of 124 pairs of football shoes were donated and delivered to Ethiopia in November 2022.

May 2022

4th U-8 REALE CUP 2022

Ten teams from Ito City and surrounding areas participated. A total of 184 items, including football shoes, were donated.

November 2023

5th U-10 REALE CUP 2023

The tournament format was changed and the event was held over two days. On the first day, teams competed in an 8-a-side league, followed by a 4-a-side league on the second day. The winners of each league met in the final match to determine the overall champion.

October 2024

6th U-10 REALE CUP 2024

Eight teams from nearby cities and outside the prefecture participated. A total of 167 items, including football shoes, were donated.

October 2025

7th U-10 REALE CUP 2025

Ten teams participated, including seven teams from Shizuoka Prefecture, two teams from the Kanto region, and one Nepalese community team based in Japan. A total of 156 items, including football shoes, were donated.