🏆 Mako Sharks Japan Tour – A Journey of Growth, Challenges & Inspiration
An Unforgettable Experience on and off the Pitch
February 2024 marked a significant milestone for Mako Sharks Football Academy as we embarked on our first-ever Japan tour, competing in the prestigious Kashima Antlers U11 Tournament. With 32 elite teams from across Japan, including professional academy sides like Kashima Antlers and Montedio Yamagata, this tournament provided our players with an invaluable opportunity to compete at a high level and learn from some of the best youth football teams in Japan.
For many of our players, this was their first international tournament experience. Competing in a new environment, adjusting to a different playing style, and overcoming physical and mental challenges made this trip more than just a competition—it was a true test of their resilience and adaptability.
Facing Japan’s Elite Teams
Over three days of intense matches, we had the privilege of playing against some of the best U11 teams in Japan, including Kashima Antlers and Montedio Yamagata.
Against Kashima Antlers, one of Japan’s most successful professional clubs, we witnessed first-hand their structured play, high-intensity pressing, and quick transitions. This match was a great learning experience, showing us the importance of tactical discipline and game awareness.
Against Montedio Yamagata, our players had to adapt to a high-tempo, technical style of play. Their ball movement, positioning, and game intelligence challenged us in every aspect, pushing our players to make quicker decisions and improve their overall match awareness.
Despite the challenges, our young Sharks showed great determination, learning with every game and proving that they could compete at a high level.
Growth Beyond Football
Beyond the matches, this tour was also an opportunity for our players to grow as individuals. Many of them traveled overseas without their parents for the first time, learning to be independent, responsible, and adaptable.
We also had the privilege of visiting a local elementary school in Shinagawa City, where our players interacted with Japanese students, exchanged experiences, and participated in traditional cultural activities like Daruma Drop, Kendama, and Origami. These interactions emphasized that football is more than just a game—it is a universal language that connects people beyond borders.
In addition to the tournament and school visit, our players got the chance to attend a J-League match between Kashima Antlers and Albirex Niigata, experiencing the intensity of professional football in Japan. Watching elite players in action served as great motivation and inspiration for our young athletes.
Lessons & Looking Ahead
This Japan tour highlighted our progress while also showing key areas for improvement. Competing against top-level teams reinforced the importance of:
âś… Playing with intensity for the full match
âś… Quick decision-making under pressure
âś… Tactical awareness and off-the-ball movement
âś… Maintaining focus and discipline in every moment
Our players have returned more motivated than ever, understanding that to compete at the highest level, we must train harder, push our limits, and embrace every challenge.
We are incredibly proud of our players for their effort, attitude, and resilience. This experience was not just about winning or losing—it was about learning, growing, and stepping onto a bigger stage.
A huge thank you to all the families, coaches, and supporters who made this trip possible. This is just the beginning—Mako Sharks Football Academy will continue to seek new challenges, develop our players, and create experiences that shape their future.
📢 For full trip details & exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, check out our VLOG and tournament recap in the News Section of our website!
Japan Tour – A Tradition of Learning & Growth
At Mako Sharks Football Academy, our Japan tour is not just a one-time experience—it is an annual tradition. Every year, we provide our players with opportunities to compete in Japanese tournaments, train with top-level academies, and immerse themselves in a high-performance football culture.
This initiative is a key part of our youth development program, helping our players grow both on and off the pitch while gaining international experience that shapes their football journey.
The journey doesn’t stop here—this is only the beginning. We’ll be back, stronger than ever! 🇯🇵⚽💙
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