Watching soccer is worth living!! September 29, 19:23

"Those who enjoy soccer and life will win!"

"Enjoy soccer until the end of your life ."

This is the message delivered to Vissel Kobe, who have suffered from a slump this season in soccer J1.

Actually, this message was sent by elderly people living in a local elderly facility.

Contribution to the local community has been the philosophy of the J.League in its 30th year.

The connection with the elderly is about to create new value for the club.

(Osaka Broadcasting Station Reporter Koji Fukushima)

Messages delivered to the club in distress

On the 10th of this month, a board with over 150 handwritten messages was installed at Vissel's home stadium in Kobe.

“Those who enjoy soccer and life will win!” (85-year-old male)

“Enjoy soccer until the end of your life” (107-year-old female)

“Don’t worry about small things” (81-year-old female)

“Even if you win, you lose .”

But don't lose heart." (91-year-old female)

A message with some weight and sometimes humor.

There were words unique to the elderly who know the sourness and sweetness of life.

This initiative, titled "Messages from seniors in life," was launched in cooperation with the J.

Ten clubs nationwide participate in this social collaboration activity, and Vissel is one of them.

Mr. Takashi Yonezawa, VISSEL KOBE hometown manager:

"There were many heartfelt messages, so I'm thinking of showing them to the players. It's just started, but I'm looking forward to various discoveries I am grateful that people know the joy of supporting soccer no matter how old they are, and I am even happier if it leads to the health of the elderly.”

President Naoto Okinaka

: “There are 58 clubs in the J. I started thinking that it would be a place where everyone can get well and exchange energy.”

From “supported side” to “supporting side”

Since last year, as part of this activity, the facility in Kobe City where the elderly people who sent the message live has been providing opportunities for residents to gather and watch the game on TV.

The idea is to help the elderly, who are usually supported by someone, to find a purpose in life by becoming a supporter of the club.

Among the elderly, there was also a 107-year-old woman.

Shigeno Takemoto usually spends most of her time lying down, but she actively participates in supporting Vissel.

On the day we interviewed her, she smiled when the game was exciting.

It was Mr. Takemoto who sent the message, "Enjoy soccer until the end of your life."

There are also people who have found a so-called “preferred” player and actively support them.

86-year-old Chieko Hattori, who suffers from dementia, fell in love with Iniesta, a central player of Vissel and former Spanish national team player.

I volunteered to learn Spanish and sent a message, "Vamos Iniesta (Let's go, Iniesta)."

Staff at the facility see a positive change in the elderly who attend.

Ms. Mari Inada, Comprehensive Welfare Facility for the Elderly

"People who live in the facility often spend their time at their leisure, so I feel that everyone has found something worthwhile and lively since starting this activity."

Expected to prevent dementia

There are also reports that elderly care facilities that have participated in these activities have reduced the need for nursing care.

Experts who are familiar with the independence support of the elderly also expect that it may lead to the prevention and improvement of dementia.

Associate Professor Megumi Kodaira, Graduate School of International University of Health and Welfare

“By becoming absorbed in something, people become able to take initiative. Supporting soccer helps people regain independence and connect with society. I think it will be very effective for the elderly.I think that if we can build up physical strength and go to the stadium together to support them, the elderly will be able to regain their confidence.”

Powerful for athletes

This activity not only restored the energy of the elderly, but also gave strength to the team.

The message board was moved to Vissel's clubhouse two days after the game, and the players read the messages they were interested in.

VISSEL KOBE Ryuho Kikuchi “After all, it is important to enjoy soccer.It

is a really tough situation with everyone supporting Kobe, but I think we have to do our best.”

VISSEL KOBE Yoshinori Muto

"We think that there is really great weight. We think that message from people with experience in the life is important and thinks that we should change to our power"

Players who received the message showed a play with feeling in the subsequent game, and Vissel won the league match two times in a row.

Advance to J1 Remain.

Football can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, and has the power to invigorate everyone.

The synergistic effect created by connecting the J.League and the elderly demonstrates once again the role that sports can play in society.

Reporter for Osaka Broadcasting Station

Koji Fukushima Joined the station in

2015

After working at the Nagoya station, he has been with his current position since 2020. Mainly in charge of soccer.