[Kashima Antlers] A "Pitch of Tradition" Passed Down to Future Players: A New "Junior Training Ground" Using Recycled Natural Turf from the Top Team Has Been Completed and Is Now in Operation

We are pleased to announce the completion of a new training ground for our junior (elementary school age) players, made possible by the support received through the 2025 hometown tax crowdfunding project, "Building the Future of Antlers Together 2025."

The ground officially began operations on Saturday, March 28, starting with a match played by our academy's junior players as a return event for crowdfunding donors.

©KASHIMA ANTLERS

This project was initiated because the junior team was the only part of the club's development organization without a dedicated practice environment. The goal was to create a space where these young players could focus on their daily training in the same area where the top team and other academy categories operate, allowing them to grow while feeling the presence of the older generations on a daily basis.

Overview of the Junior Training Ground

The ground was designed not only to improve the players' technical skills but also to foster growth across different categories by physically narrowing the distance between training facilities.

Strengthening Inter-Category Cooperation Through Proximity

The new ground is adjacent to the Junior Youth (middle school age) field and is located in close proximity to the training bases for the Youth and top teams. By having each category operate in nearby areas, we have created an environment where junior players can experience the standards of higher categories daily, facilitating a smoother step-up process.

Inheriting the Environment: Reusing Natural Turf from the Top Team's Practice Field

The turf on the ground consists of natural grass transplanted and recycled from the top team's practice field, which was renovated during a 2024 project. We have prepared a ground where the environment in which professional players have honed their skills is passed down to the junior generation, allowing them to train while being conscious of the club's traditions.

Crowdfunding Results

The development of this facility was made possible through the generous support of many individuals via a crowdfunding campaign utilizing Itako City's hometown tax system.

Project Name:

Building the Future of Antlers Together 2025

Total Amount Raised:

66,780,000 JPY

Number of Supporters:

1,268

Implementation Period:

September 17, 2025 – December 16, 2025

The entire club would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who provided such great cooperation. We will make the most of this environment, where junior players can grow while feeling the proximity of the top team and youth players, and we will continue to strive to further enhance our development system to consistently produce players who will carry the future of the club.