We held a JFA × Molten crowdfunding support event in Kagoshima

In December 2025, using the funds raised through the JFA crowdfunding campaign, we held an event in Kagoshima Prefecture to deliver the assemble-it-yourself soccer ball “BALL KIT” to children.
The main recipients were children from Wakaba Gakuen, a residential care home operated by the Social Welfare Corporation, and Niji no Ie, a Child Development Support Center run by Kensho Welfare Association.

The event was held in two sessions, morning and afternoon.
For both sessions, we were supported by Mr. Mitsunori Izumiya, Chair of the Inclusive Committee of the Kagoshima Football Association, head coach of the intellectual-disability soccer team “Kagoshima United FC Futures,” and coach of the U12 club AIRA REGION FC.

Morning Session – Wakaba Gakuen

The event was held in Wakaba Gakuen’s gymnasium, with 26 children from the facility and 6 players from the Futures team participating.

Before starting, staff explained the key point:
“The goal is not to finish quickly, but to think for yourself and assemble it carefully.”
And then, the assembly event began.

Each child picked up the instruction manual and worked hard through trial and error to assemble their BALL KIT.
The Futures players also took different amounts of time, but none of them gave up and all completed their balls.

After assembling the balls, the children used BALL KIT freely and creatively—playing dodgeball, ball-toss games, and walking football—enjoying it in many different ways.

*1. Walking Football:
All players, including the goalkeeper, play without running—only walking.
It is a lifelong sport that anyone can enjoy easily, regardless of age, gender, or disability.

Mr. Izumiya shared a memorable episode:

“It was after the event had passed the halfway point, when I could hear the joyful voices of children playing with their completed BALL KIT.
A high-school boy quietly opened the gym door and peeked inside.
He was originally not supposed to participate, but after hearing the happy voices coming from inside, he couldn’t stay away.
When staff guided him in, a younger child naturally came close and gave him tips.
Seeing children of very different ages naturally interact—this made me truly feel the charm of BALL KIT.”

Mr. Izumiya and the Futures players learning from the children

After the event, a child representing the facility gave words of thanks to the staff.
For us, seeing the children enjoy themselves is more than enough—but hearing it expressed in words was truly moving.
We listened carefully to every single word the child shared with such sincerity.

Comment from Mr. Takashi Yamada, Wakaba Gakuen

“Many children who said the assembly was difficult were still able to solve it themselves after thinking hard, and with just a little advice, they found their own way to finish it.
The children really enjoyed it.”

Afternoon Session – Child Development Support Center Niji no Ie

The location moved to Beeline Sports Park Aira (Aira City General Sports Park Gymnasium).
About 20 children from Niji no Ie and about 30 children from AIRA REGION FC participated.
Mr. Seino from JFA and Mr. Asaki from the Kagoshima Intellectual Disability Soccer Federation, who had supported last year’s activities, also joined us.
Futures players who had assembled BALL KIT in the morning now watched over the children together with staff.

After opening remarks from Mr. Kiyono (JFA) and Mr. Izumiya, the event began.
Some children struggled at first, but the staff patiently watched over and supported them.

At first, some children said, “I can’t do this,” but by the end they had completed their balls and showed faces full of pride.
In less than 30 minutes, creating something with their own hands changed their expressions so much that even we, the staff, were amazed.

After assembly, many children from Niji no Ie—most of whom had never played soccer before—played walking football against the Futures players.
Futures is made up mainly of members of the Kagoshima team that won first place at the 2025 National Sports Games for People with Disabilities.
For the children, facing the national champions in their very first match was like a dream.
The referee was Mr. Asaki, who holds an official referee license.

The match ended in a 2–2 draw.
The children chased the ball passionately, their eyes shining with excitement.
The children from AIRA REGION FC also enjoyed their first experience of walking football.

At the end of the event, Mr. Takuya Kuru from Niji no Ie gave the closing remarks:
“Please treasure the ball you made today.”
For us, who manufacture and sell balls, these words meant a great deal.
When asked, “Who wants to become a member of the Japan national team someday?” more than 10 children—including those from Niji no Ie—raised their hands. Very encouraging!

Thanks to all the supporters, we were able to hold our final event of 2025. Thank you very much.
In 2025, we often felt heavy-hearted seeing news of wars and disasters around the world.
But watching children assemble BALL KIT and enjoy playing soccer always warms our hearts.
We believe that as more children grow while having opportunities to learn and experience new things, the future will surely become brighter little by little.
Through MY FOOTBALL KIT, we will continue spreading scenes of children learning with smiles and enjoying soccer across the world.