No. 5 Support for Tokyo Verdy

(Published in the March 15, 2012 issue of Public Relations Inagi)

　At that moment, I came back to my senses for a moment when the host made an announcement. “The best development club award goes to…Tokyo Verdy 1969!”
On December 5th of last year, I was in the invited seats at Yokohama Arena where the J.League Awards (the awards ceremony after the J.League soccer season) was held. As I was absentmindedly flipping through the pamphlet, following the introduction of the J1 winning club and the introduction of the J2 winning club, I was surprised by an unexpected announcement. Far away on stage, President Hanyu received his certificate of commendation, walked off the stage, and sat next to me.
When I said to him, ``This season was disappointing, but you received a good award that will help us in the future,'' he said, ``More than this award, I want to put our players on that podium.'' His face looked a little regretful. was.
Although Tokyo Verdy finished in 5th place in the 2011 season, their 69 goals were the highest for any team in the J2 League.
Under the new system for the 2012 season, Yuki Kobayashi, the youngest player in club history at 19 years old, was appointed captain. It has been decided that Yutaka Akita, a former member of the Japanese national team who played for Kashima Antlers, will participate as the coach.
Inagi City established the "Tokyo Verdy Support Promotion Committee" within the city in September last year, and appointed two chairpersons to be in charge of promoting support. Additionally, the ``Verdy Hometown Promotion Conference,'' which has been held for about 10 years with the participation of related organizations, will change its focus this year to make it even more exciting.
Tokyo Verdy is home to teams such as Tokyo Verdy 1969, Nippon TV Beleza, volleyball, and triathlon, and also participates in various community contribution activities such as healthy youth development and volunteer activities.
The top team started this season by winning the opening game on March 4, 2012. Let's come together and support our hometown Inagi so that we can return to the J1 League this year!