The 14th Annual Friendship Soccer Tournament, sponsored by the International Exchange Section of the Faculty and Graduate School of Agriculture, took place on 30 May at the North Campus. This event was started in 2002, when Japan co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea, with the purpose of creating an opportunity for international and Japanese students as well as staff members to interact. More than 200 people, including members of the 10 participating teams and their supporters, took part in this year's event.
After opening remarks by Prof Hisashi Miyagawa, Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture, the teams competed in group leagues and then in a final tournament, from which Rigakubu FC emerged the champions for the fourth straight year. In addition to the players enjoying the sport, all the participants, including supporters, had a meaningful time bridging language barriers.
After the games, the athletes, supporters, staff, and alumni all joined together for a barbecue party where they enjoyed food and furthering cross-cultural communication.
The organizers would like to express sincere thanks to all those who took part, making the 14th competition a huge success, including members of the Kyoto University Football Club, supporters, tutors, and faculty.
During a game
Another scene from the competition
Commemorative photo
At the barbecue party
