Tokyo Resort & Sports College Students and Faculty Excel at International Stage, Securing Runner-Up at U-23 Deaf Football World Cup 2026

A student from the Athletic Trainer Department at Tokyo Resort & Sports College (Bunkyo City, Tokyo), operated by Sanko Gakuen Educational Corporation, participated as a selected development player in the 'U-23 Deaf Football World Cup 2026' held in Serbia from May 11 (Mon) to May 23 (Sat), 2026, with the team securing second place in the tournament.

Additionally, a faculty member from the school's Athletic Trainer Department accompanied the team as an athletic trainer, responsible for managing athletes' physical conditions and providing support during matches and training sessions. Both student and faculty contributed to the team's runner-up achievement from their respective roles on the international stage.

Student Comment

"This was my first international tournament, and achieving a runner-up result was an incredibly valuable experience. Competing against players from around the world allowed me to clearly recognize my own challenges and areas for growth.

I aim to apply this experience to my future athletic career and will continue striving to become a starting player at future international competitions."

Faculty Comment (Athletic Trainer)

"At this tournament, I supported the athletes as an athletic trainer, providing services such as physical condition management, taping, warm-ups, recovery support, and injury response.

Due to the tight schedule with matches held every other day, I monitored and analyzed daily factors such as sleep, fatigue levels, body weight, and pain, sharing information with coaches and staff to ensure athletes could compete in optimal condition. I also provided advice on sleep, nutrition, and hydration to address challenges unique to overseas travel, such as jet lag and long-distance transportation.

I am delighted that we achieved a runner-up result at the inaugural U-23 Deaf Football World Cup. At the same time, the final match highlighted the gap between us and the world's top teams. I intend to apply this experience to future coaching and athletic activities.

Furthermore, during this event, we tailored our support by selecting appropriate communication methods—such as sign language and oral communication—based on each athlete's individual preferences. Athletic trainers require not only specialized knowledge but also empathetic communication skills. I will return the experience gained on-site to our educational programs and contribute to training athletic trainers who are trusted in sports environments."

About Tokyo Resort & Sports College

Tokyo Resort & Sports College trains professionals for careers in the sports industry, including athletic trainers, instructors, and sports team staff. Through practical education, students acquire the specialized knowledge and technical skills required in competitive sports environments, along with communication and on-site response capabilities.

Related Information

The tournament results are featured on JFA's official X account: https://x.com/JFA/status/2059892223383384362

Inquiries regarding this matter

Tokyo Resort & Sports College Mihoko Kato (Kato Mihoko) [email protected]