[Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido] J1 Club "Cerezo Osaka" to Hold First Training Camp in Higashikawa Town Starting July 7

Higashikawa Town Natural Grass Soccer Field to be Completed in March 2026

Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido, will host Cerezo Osaka, a J.League club, for their 2026 summer training camp from July 7 (Tue) to July 16 (Thu), 2026.

This will be their first camp, aimed at enhancing physical strength and team building for the league matches, leveraging Hokkaido's cool climate and rich natural environment.

Furthermore, on July 7 (Tue), the first day of the camp, a welcome ceremony for Cerezo Osaka will be held, and on July 11 (Sat), a kids' soccer school will take place, creating opportunities for town residents and children to interact with the club. Through hosting this camp, we aim to foster local vibrancy centered on sports and contribute to the development of the next generation.

About Cerezo Osaka's 2026 Summer Training Camp

The 2026 summer training camp for Cerezo Osaka, held in Higashikawa Town, is positioned as a training opportunity that utilizes Hokkaido's cool climate and natural environment, in anticipation of the J.League's shift to an autumn-spring season.

【Camp Details】

・Camp Period: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – Thursday, July 16, 2026 [9 nights, 10 days]

・Main Practice Venue: Higashikawa Town Yume Park Natural Grass Soccer Field (Higashikawa Town Nishi 3-jo Kita 7-chome)

About the Welcome Ceremony and Kids' Soccer School

Related events will also be held during the camp period as opportunities for community interaction. On July 7 (Tue), the first day of the camp, a welcome ceremony will be held to greet Cerezo Osaka with the entire town. Additionally, on July 11 (Sat), a kids' soccer school will be conducted to provide children with an opportunity to experience the joy of soccer and feel closer to the players and the club. Through these initiatives, we aim to go beyond a one-time hosting and connect it to community interaction, the creation of local vibrancy, and town development where children can dream of the future.

【Related Events】

・Tuesday, July 7, 16:30~: Cerezo Osaka Welcome Ceremony ※Approximately 15 minutes, open to public viewing (Training after the ceremony can also be observed)

・Saturday, July 11, 11:00-12:00: Higashikawa Town Residents Kids' Soccer School Target: 1st to 4th graders in elementary school belonging to soccer organizations within the town

Community-Wide Efforts to Foster Enthusiasm for Hosting

To ensure that hosting the camp is not a one-off event, Higashikawa Town has been building relationships with local residents since the year before the event.

Town Resident Talk Event

Kids' Soccer School

Rice Planting Event

Public Viewing

We have held talk events inviting Cerezo Osaka officials, kids' soccer schools, exchange programs related to Higashikawa rice, and public viewings, promoting local vibrancy through sports and fostering a supportive atmosphere among town residents.

Furthermore, a support organization called "Cerezo Higashikawa Kai" has been established by volunteer residents, creating a system where townspeople unite to support the club and the summer camp.

Strengths of Higashikawa Town as a Summer Camp Location

Natural Grass Soccer Field Opening Ceremony held on Saturday, June 6. Performance by local cheerleading team. Natural Grass Soccer Field Opening Ceremony held on Saturday, June 6. Mini-game by local soccer team.

Higashikawa Town's strengths lie in its natural grass pitch, developed with input from J.League teams, as well as its surrounding facilities that support training camps and tournament operations, its recovery environment through hot springs, and its food provision system utilizing local ingredients. The ability to complete training, accommodation, and recovery all within the town supports the athletes' conditioning in multiple ways. Additionally, the natural environment with views of Mt. Daisetsu and local resources such as Higashikawa-produced rice are also unique attractions of Higashikawa Town. By combining an environment that supports athletic improvement with the value of local life, culture, and nature, we aim to simultaneously enhance the appeal of the camp location and the value of the region.

Towards the Future

Through hosting this camp, Higashikawa Town aims to create opportunities for increased visitor numbers and related stakeholders, revitalize the local economy, and enhance the town's appeal. Furthermore, while prioritizing the concept that the pitch is primarily "for the children of the town," we will promote town development that provides children with opportunities to dream through sports and take flight into the future.

Inquiries

For inquiries regarding the Cerezo Osaka Summer Training Camp, please contact:

Higashikawa Town Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Promotion Division (Contact: Konno, Yoshida)

Phone: 0166-82-2111 (Main)

For media accreditation, please apply via the following URL:

https://forms.gle/fBmGgNfWqUTKxXFJ7