No.5 Support for Tokyo Verdy

(Inagi Newsletter March 15, 2012 issue)

At that moment, I came to my senses with the host's announcement. "The Best Development Club Award goes to... Tokyo Verdy 1969!"
On December 5th last year, I was in the VIP seats at Yokohama Arena for the J League Awards (the award ceremony after the end of the J League season). After the J1 championship club award and the introduction of the J2 championship club, I was absentmindedly flipping through the pamphlet when I was surprised by an unexpected announcement. Far away on stage, President Hanyu received the award certificate and then came down to sit next to me.
"It was disappointing this season, but we received a good award that connects to the future," I said, and with a slightly regretful expression, he replied, "More than this award, I want to see my players up on that stage."
The 2011 season of Tokyo Verdy ended in 5th place, but the 69 goals scored set a record for the most goals by a team in the J2 League.
In the new structure for the 2012 season, Yuki Kobayashi, at the age of 19, became the youngest captain in the club's history. It has been decided that former Japan national team player Yutaka Akita, who excelled with Kashima Antlers, will join as a coach.
In Inagi City, the "Tokyo Verdy Support Promotion Committee" was established within the city hall in September last year, and two chief examiners have been appointed as support promotion officers. Additionally, the "Verdy Home Town Promotion Council," which has been held for about ten years with the participation of related organizations, will change its approach this year to make it more exciting.
Tokyo Verdy includes teams such as Tokyo Verdy 1969, Nippon Television Beleza, volleyball, and triathlon, and participates in various community contribution activities, including Sound Youth Development and volunteering.
The top team started this season with a victory in the opening match on March 4, 2012. Let's all come together as the hometown of Inagi to support them so that they can return to the J1 League this year!