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August 6, 2024

Over 215 Emerging Japanese Stars Dazzle at LALIGA NAGANO CUP 2024 – LA LIGA

Credit to LaLiga Image Gallery

MANATEC HOLDINGS hosted the U-12 tournament in Nagano and Iizuna from July 30th to August 2nd, with a special appearance by LALIGA ambassador Luis García, renowned for his stints with FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, among other clubs.

The LALIGA Nagano Cup 2024, a collaborative effort between LALIGA, MANATEC HOLDINGS, and the city of Nagano, was a significant event for the local community. Over 215 budding footballers from 12 Japanese U-12 teams showcased their skills, contributing to the growth of grassroots football in Nagano. The event, held from August 30th to September 1st, featured competitive matches and skill clinics led by two LALIGA coaches who traveled from Spain to impart their expertise using the LALIGA Methodology.

LALIGA Leaders and Yoshito Okubo at Press Event

Luis García, a celebrated figure in football, was a key presence throughout the event. His enthusiasm for Japanese talent was palpable as he actively encouraged the young players, presented awards to the tournament’s standout performers, and took time to photograph with the participants. His presence added an extra layer of excitement and inspiration to the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on all those who attended.

On August 1st, Luis García and Guillermo Pérez, the delegate from LALIGA, and Horie Mitsusada, the president of Manatec Holdings, held an engaging session with local media representatives. This pre-tournament media briefing provided insights into the event and emphasized its significance. The discussion covered various aspects of the tournament, including its impact on the local football community and the broader goals of LALIGA’s initiatives.

LALIGA Finale at Nagano U Showcases Global Grassroots

The tournament reached its thrilling peak on August 2nd at the Nagano U Stadium, the esteemed home ground of J3 Parceiro Nagano. This venue, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate local support, provided the perfect setting for the grand finale.

LALIGA’s steadfast commitment to fostering emerging talent is fundamental to its long-term vision and strategic approach. This dedication was formalized with the establishment of the Sports Projects department in 2015, a milestone that marked the beginning of a comprehensive effort to enhance football development on a global scale.

Since its inception, LALIGA has successfully launched over 820 sports projects in more than 55 countries worldwide. These initiatives have significantly influenced the football landscape by directly engaging with and empowering more than 25,000 local coaches. Through targeted training and development programs, LALIGA has also reached over 240,000 young players, providing them with invaluable skills and experience. This extensive network of projects and collaborations demonstrates LALIGA’s central role in shaping the future of football. 

“At LALIGA we are committed to sustainable growth at grassroots level. Therefore, we have promoted a large number of global grassroots football projects in recent years where we can add value at international level in a field in which we have many years of experience and thus enhance the excellent work done by countries like Japan in this area. Japan has been committed to strengthening from the grassroots level and has been reaping the rewards in its national teams and professional football for years. LALIGA NAGANO CUP 2024 involves promoting the development of the grassroots football structure at local and regional level, and it is also a celebration of sport and values such as friendship and sportsmanship in a playful environment,” says Guillermo Pérez, LALIGA’s delegate in Japan.

The enduring legacy of sports and Olympic excellence embodied by Nagano’s Mayor, Mr. Kenji Ogiwara, plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s reputation as a premier destination for athletic events. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time world ski champion, Ogiwara’s achievements have brought international acclaim to Nagano and fostered a deep-seated culture of sporting excellence within the community.