STRENGTHENING FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SPORT

Supporting Youth Soccer Competitions

[Japan] Mazda Motor Corporation
[Mexico] Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO)

An Exciting Competition - 38th Youth Soccer Competition Held in Hofu

An Exciting Competition - 38th Youth Soccer Competition Held in Hofu

In order to contribute to the sound development of children and promote regional sports, the Hofu Plant has supported the Mazda Invitational Youth Soccer Competition hosted by the Hofu City Soccer Association since its inception in 1982. This two-day event, held every year during summer vacation, was started to commemorate the completion of the Hofu Plant. Since then, it has become established as a traditional tournament that attracts the best teams in Yamaguchi Prefecture and neighboring prefectures.

In FY2019, the tournament was moved from August to October to avoid the summer heat. Approximately 650 players from a total of 36 teams, including 35 teams from within Yamaguchi Prefecture - the greatest number of teams yet - and one team from another prefecture, participated at the Hofu Athletic Stadium. The athletes showed off their teamwork and the results of their practice.


By the numbers
Duration of program: 38 years

Summer Soccer Supports Kids' Health

MMVO has opened its facilities to hold the "Mazda Cup Junior" soccer tournament for children who live in neighboring villages since 2016.
Although the tournament began with 24 teams, it significantly expanded in the following years. In FY2019, 72 teams competed, three times the original number. The young athletes' enthusiasm made for an exciting tournament. MMVO opened its facilities for the full 29 days of the tournament, and also provided soccer uniforms, transportation, and school bags to all 720 of the 6 to 13-year-old children who participated.
The children who participated said they were "happy for being able to play soccer inside MMVO's plant grounds and make new friends during summer vacation."

Summer Soccer Supports Kids' Health


By the numbers
Duration of program: 4 years