Pengarang: Ammar Idris

12 May 2025 | Fukagawa Ground, Tokyo

After a weekend of back-to-back matches and cultural immersion, Day 5 offered our boys a chance to slow down — at least for a while.

The morning was relaxed and free and easy. Some players rested, others wandered the quiet Tokyo streets near our hotel, and a few simply enjoyed being in the moment. It was a brief but welcomed pause.

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From Streets to Stadiums

By 4:00 PM, the team was on the move again — this time on foot, making the scenic 25-minute walk to FC Tokyo’s Fukagawa Ground. The boys, in full kit, stood out against the city’s subdued Monday mood. The canal views, tall buildings, and calm skies made the perfect prelude to what was about to come.

We were warmly welcomed by Ms. Sachi and the FC Tokyo coaching team — friendly, efficient, and ready to go. After brief introductions, it was time to lace up.

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Joint Training Begins

The session kicked off with a joint warm-up routine, focusing on dynamic stretches and light touches. It was a valuable moment for our boys to observe, mirror, and absorb the habits of one of Japan’s most respected academies.

What followed was a structured joint training session, blending tactical drills, passing patterns, and small-sided games. The intensity was high, but so was the level of respect and encouragement.

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Training Matches – Quiet Confidence

To wrap up the session, we played four friendly training matches:

Training Match Results:
• Match 1: FC Tokyo 1 – 0 Fiezta FC
• Match 2: FC Tokyo 1 – 0 Fiezta FC
• Match 3: FC Tokyo 1 – 2 Fiezta FC
• Match 4: FC Tokyo 1 – 1 Fiezta FC

It was a true test of stamina and learning on the go. The improvement from one match to the next showed the boys were absorbing instructions and translating them into action — a win in itself.

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Moments to Remember

From the energy of the walk, to the training precision, to seeing our Fiezta boys find their rhythm — Day 5 was a reminder of how far they’ve come and how far they can go.

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Day 5 in Three Words:
Recharged. Refined. Reignited.

#FieztaFC #JapanExchange2025 #TrainThriveTogether #FromSemenyihToTokyo #FCTokyo #FukagawaGround #RespectTheGame #DisciplineInDetail

11 May 2025 | Friendly Matches & Mizuno Experience, Tokyo

Day 4 began earlier than planned — a smooth journey to Minami-Tsurumaki Elementary School meant we arrived ahead of schedule and jumped straight into action. With cool weather and a slightly dewy field, the boys were ready to face new challenges on familiar turf.

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Game On: A Test of Grit

We played three (20-minute halves) matches organised by Tsurumaki Soccer Club, facing off against:
• Tsurumaki SC
• FC Toripletta Shibuya

While Day 3 felt festive, Day 4 was all about intensity.
The warm-up from Toripletta Shibuya alone was enough to make jaws drop — hundreds, if not thousands, of touches in a rhythm of juggling, walking, dribbling and passing with flair. An elite team in every sense.

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MATCH RESULTS

Match 1
Tsurumaki SC 3 – 2 Fiezta FC
Scorers: Baim, Adeeb

Match 2
FC Toripletta Shibuya 8 – 0 Fiezta FC

Match 3
Fiezta FC 2 – 2 Tsurumaki SC
Scorer: Ammar Z (2 goals)

Despite the fatigue, our boys gave a spirited performance — learning to adjust in real time, build up from the back, and handle pressure under tighter marking. These were lessons in composure, adaptability, and mental strength.

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Moments of Unity

Back at the school, the day ended with yet another round of souvenir exchanges.
FC Toripletta Shibuya presented us with their official club flag, and in return, our captains proudly handed over the Fiezta FC flag pendants — a ritual now close to our hearts.

Smiles, photos, and high fives closed out the football segment of Day 4 — a day that reminded us why we’re here: to grow, to compete, and to build friendships far beyond the final whistle.

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From the Pitch to Precision: Mizuno Experience

Later in the day, we made our way to the Mizuno Tokyo Flagship Store — a dream pit stop for any young footballer.

At Mizuno, the boys went through a Foot Navi digital foot analysis — a high-tech system that measured balance, weight distribution, arch height, and size with pinpoint accuracy. For many, it was their first time understanding how the right boot can enhance performance and reduce injury risk.

Equipped with custom insights, each player was matched to the right footwear model and size. We left not just with shopping bags — but with knowledge, excitement, and a newfound appreciation for fit and form.

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Day 4 in Three Words:

Challenge. Calibration. Camaraderie.

#FieztaFC #JapanExchange2025 #TrainThriveTogether #FromSemenyihToTokyo #ToriplettaShibuya #TsurumakiSC #MizunoTokyo #FootNavi #PrecisionFit

10 May 2025 | Tsurumaki SC International Friendly Match, Tama City

Day 3 took Fiezta FC to the heart of Tama City, where we participated in the Tsurumaki SC International Friendly Match at Minami-Tsurumaki Elementary School. Unlike Day 2’s train commute, this time we travelled comfortably by car — a much-needed breather for the boys ahead of a packed matchday schedule.

The event brought together four spirited U12 teams:
• Fiezta FC (Malaysia)
• Tsurumaki SC
• Shirayuri SC
• Machida Aihara FC

Set on a picturesque 68m x 50m natural grass pitch, the carnival featured a series of fast-paced 15-minute 8-a-side matches. Our players showed focus, energy, and sportsmanship throughout — a day filled with competition and camaraderie.

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A Truly Heartfelt Welcome

What truly made this day unforgettable wasn’t just the football — it was the warmth of our hosts.

Under a deep blue canopy, we were surprised with a beautifully arranged spread of snacks, drinks, fruits, and energy boosters — complete with a heartfelt “Selamat Datang ke Jepun” sign. It was a gesture that touched us all and instantly made us feel at home.

Adding to that, we were honoured with custom souvenirs from every participating team — including a hot-pressed commemorative matchday t-shirt from Aihara FC. In return, we proudly presented our Fiezta FC flag pendants, symbolizing friendship and appreciation from Semenyih to Tokyo.

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Smiles, Conversations & Cultural Curiosity

One of the most beautiful parts of the day was the interaction with the local community.
Parents from the opposing teams greeted us with genuine warmth, many smiling, asking questions, and even engaging in casual interviews. It was a heartfelt exchange — a reminder that football is a universal language.

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A Gentle But Powerful Lesson

As the event came to a close, we encountered a lesson we didn’t expect — but needed.

Two Japanese volunteers kindly stepped in to help us sort our rubbish, gently pointing out the importance of proper waste separation in Japan.
We were grateful — and admittedly, a little shy (🙈). But it was a humbling moment that sparked an internal initiative:
We’ve since created our own Fiezta Garbage Sorting Guide — a small but meaningful step toward becoming better, more respectful guests.

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Grit. Gratitude. Growth.

Day 3 was more than football.
It was about the grit shown on the pitch, the gratitude exchanged off it, and the growth we experienced in the little moments that will stay with us forever.

Thank you once again to Mr. Tomoharu Ishigami and all our Japanese hosts for their generosity, warmth, and valuable lessons.
This is what real exchange looks like.

#FieztaFC #JapanExchange2025 #TrainThriveTogether #FromSemenyihToTokyo #TsurumakiFriendlyMatch #RespectTheCulture #GritGratitudeGrowth

9 May 2025 | Inagi Nagamine Verdy Field, Tokyo

Day 2 of our Japan journey brought the Fiezta FC squad into the heart of Tokyo grassroots football — a day filled with football, learning, and lasting connections.

After a punctual train ride to Wakabadai Station, the team made their way to Inagi Nagamine Verdy Field, a top-class artificial turf facility surrounded by nature and calmness — perfect for focused training.

We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Tomoharu Ishigami, Chairman of Tokyo Youth Soccer Federation and President of Tsurumaki Soccer Club. His hospitality and meticulous coordination were the true reasons this exchange became a reality for us. From training prep to smooth scheduling, he made sure every detail was taken care of — we’re sincerely grateful.

To top it off, the organizers also ensured that we were well hydrated with a full cooler of cold water bottles — a small gesture that made a big difference, especially with the energy used on the pitch.

Joint Training Session & Coaching Exchange

The session was held in collaboration with:
• Progresso Inagi
• Tsurumaki Soccer Club

Guided by experienced coaches:
• Mr. Kusano (Technical Director, Tokyo 11th Block)
• Mr. Honma (Goalkeeper Coach, Tokyo 11th Block)

Session Highlights:
• Passing and control in tight areas
• 2v2 + 4 servers for positional understanding
• Finishing under pressure with combination play

The coaching approach was sharp, methodical, and highly engaging — providing our players with a new perspective on training intensity and discipline.

Token of Appreciation:

The session ended with a symbolic exchange of gifts.
Fiezta FC presented a custom-designed plaque and official flag pennants to both host clubs as a token of respect and to mark the beginning of a strong footballing friendship between Malaysia and Japan.

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From Semenyih to Tokyo, this exchange isn’t just about football — it’s about building bridges through sport.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this incredible journey.

#FieztaFC #JapanExchange2025 #TrainThriveTogether

8 May 2025 | KLIA → Tokyo, Japan

Day 1 officially marked the start of the Fiezta FC Japan Exchange 2025 — and it kicked off with a lot of energy, emotion, and a little bit of drama!

Our squad was split into three groups heading to Tokyo via different routes:
✈️ Group 1 – AirAsia D7522 (direct to Tokyo, in-flight meals provided)
✈️ Group 2 – Vietnam Airlines via Hanoi (VN680 + VN310, transit at Noi Bai Airport – tukar kapal!)
✈️ Group 3 – Batik Air OD870 (direct flight, in-flight meals provided)

At KLIA, there were smiles, last-minute passport checks, and emotional goodbyes. Some of the moms who couldn’t join had to wipe tears as their little footballers walked proudly through departure gates. One even managed a FaceTime moment from the plane — a mix of peace signs and teary eyes on both sides of the screen.

Once in Tokyo, things got interesting when one of our coaches was stopped at immigration for questioning. But with calm nerves and a bit of charm, he got through — no drama, just a good story to tell at dinner!

Group 1 arrived first and went straight to check-in at Hotel Mystays Kameido. Despite a late-night arrival, some players had enough energy to explore nearby Lawson — their first convenience store experience in Japan! New snacks, vending machines, and the vibe of walking the Tokyo streets at midnight… a core memory unlocked.

The other groups followed shortly after, safely checking in past midnight.
Jet-lagged but excited, everyone finally tucked in for rest — ready for training the next day.

Day 1 was more than just travel — it was the start of independence, brotherhood, and a journey far beyond the pitch.

#FieztaFC #JapanExchange2025 #TrainThriveTogether #FromSemenyihToTokyo