Notice of Contract Expiration for Player Kazumasa Shiga

Thespa Kusatsu Gunma has announced that the contract with player Kazumasa Shiga will expire, and he will leave the club at the end of the 2026 season.

Kazumasa SHIGA

[Position] GK [Jersey Number] 16 [Date of Birth] May 20, 2001 (25 years old) [Birthplace] Tokyo [Height/Weight] 187cm/82kg [Dominant Foot] Right [Career History] Kurumi SC -> Kashiwa Reysol U-12 -> Kashiwa Reysol U-15 -> Kashiwa Reysol U-18 -> Tokyo International University -> Okinawa SV -> Thespa Kusatsu Gunma [Appearances] J3: 0 games / 0 goals League Cup: 0 games / 0 goals Emperor's Cup: 1 game / 0 goals JFL: 2 games / 0 goals

[Player Comment] "To everyone who supports Thespa Kusatsu Gunma. Thank you for your incredible support and cheers. My contract has expired, and I will be leaving Thespa Kusatsu Gunma. Since this is the end, I would like to write down my thoughts at length.

Looking back on the past year and a half, time passed so quickly, and I truly felt the importance of time. During this time, I spent intense moments, met wonderful teammates, gained many experiences, and was able to grow.

Last year, I had a period where I was taking a break due to Overtraining Syndrome. I seriously considered quitting soccer, but thanks to the teammates who cared for me and the people around me, I was able to return. In my first practice match after returning, Coach Okita sent me out onto the pitch with a joyful smile. I have nothing but gratitude for Coach Okita, who gave me a place to belong.

Also, during this year and a half, the team may have had more difficult times than good ones. Even so, there were people who smiled and cheered me on, saying 'Good luck' or 'We are supporting you' even after a loss, and people who came to watch training even during difficult periods. This is not something to be taken for granted and is truly irreplaceable for Thespa Kusatsu Gunma.

Also, there are people who always talked to me even when I was not playing in matches. I was determined to grow and play in games to make those people smile, but I was unable to achieve my goal in this Century Vision League. It is extremely frustrating to leave this team without ever having stepped on the pitch, and I feel very sorry to those who expected much from me.

I am sincerely proud to have been a member of this wonderful club, Thespa Kusatsu Gunma, and to have such a lovely family that supports me even when I am not playing. Thank you for making me a professional soccer player. And to everyone, let's meet again on the pitch somewhere!! Thank you very much for the past year and a half!"