We are pleased to announce that Mr. Takuya Yamada, a former player for the Japanese national soccer team, will be participating as the Clinic and Tournament Director and special coach again this year. Yamada is considered one of the biggest legends in Japanese soccer.

 

Yamada was a member of the Japan national team and a long-time key player for Verdy Kawasaki (now Tokyo Verdy 1969) , where he showcased his skills in a memorable match against Real Madrid. In this particular game, Yamada played a pivotal role in Verdy's 3-0 victory, scoring a goal and providing an assist. His contributions on the field were instrumental in securing the team's impressive win. From 2006, he transferred to different clubs, starting with Cerezo Osaka, Yokohama FC, and Sagan Tosu.

 

In 2010 at the age of 35, he joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United States, where he became the captain and became the first Japanese player to be appointed as such in the USSF D2 (NASL) league. He contributed to the league championship in 2012 and was selected for the Best Eleven. In 2014, he returned to Japan and played for FC Imabari and Nara Club before retiring at the age of 43 in 2017. He played a total of 562 professional matches in Japan and the U.S.

 

Afterwards, he joined Nike Japan and excelled as the Head of Football Sports Marketing. Currently, he serves as the General Manager of BLUE UNITED eFC powered by Manchester City and back on the fieldwork is actively involved in a wide range of activities in the sports and soccer industry.

 

 

～ Message from Takuya Yamada ～

 

Aloha! We are delighted to be participating in the Pacific Rim Cup again this year 2024 in beautiful Hawaii. In recent years, soccer fever has grown around the world and no matter where you visit, you can have fun kicking a ball and making friends.

 

This clinic and tournament is for the next generation of soccer stars and keiki who enjoy communicating and playing soccer around the world. I have always had the best time of my life visiting Hawaii and having the opportunity to not only spend time on the gorgeous beaches, but to meet and kick a ball with so many of you.

 

This year we are bringing you even more excitement. With the addition of our fellow local legend, Kenji, and David from Seattle Sounders FC, we are bringing the best of times for all kids. We can't wait to see and feel your skill, passion and have fun together on the green grass.

 

Let's play, learn, and build soccer OHANA together, all right we look forward to seeing you soon! Mahalo.

 

 

Pacific Rim Cup 2024:  Register Now!