On March 5th, the Albirex Niigata Ladies held a players' talk show as well as an online "Niigata prefecture parent-child football session" alongside other activities at their home stadium, DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM, under the theme of "Expanding the Circle of 'WE'" to promote WE LEAGUE‘s philosophy.
On the same day, the stadium hosted J2 Albirex Niigata's home opener that attracted more than 10,000 fans. This was the first time WE ACTION was held at a J-League game, where they took advantage of having both women's and men's team in the same club.
The players' talk show was held on a special stage in the plaza in front of the stadium, with Ms. Ayaka Michigami, who plays forward and is the league's top scorer and Ms. Yume Takigawa, a midfielder who was previously an employee of the city of Shibata. Many fans took the time to listen to what they had to share.
At the beginning of the event, WE LEAGUE was introduced as Japan's first professional women's football league along with the league's philosophy. Ms. Takigawa said, "I have dreamt of becoming a professional football player since I was little, so I am happy to make my dream come true.”
Ms. Michigami followed this comment powerfully by saying, "I believe that the women's professional league has made women football players a profession and a place where children can aspire to become one. Not much has changed for me personally since the WE LEAGUE has started, so I would like to continue expanding professions and places where women can shine, starting with women’s football."
Both players shared that they started playing football because of their older brothers. So when Ms. Michigami said, "I hope that from now on, it will be 'because my sister played,'" the audience applauded. They also took the opportunity to announce that on May 8th, WE LEAGUE and J2 home games will be held together. To this, Ms. Takigawa added "I hope that the fans (of the men's team) will also come support us as well.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Ms. Mizuki Sonoda and 16 other players distributed about 3,000 WE statement flyer of the club, around the stadium. The players themselves directly handed the flyer, which was an act that was well received by the fans. The flyer included the statement "We, Albirex Niigata Ladies, will play an active role both on and off the pitch to realize our philosophy and help make Niigata an attractive place" along with photos of their activities.
A woman who received the flyer said, "I think women's sports are becoming more exciting with the success of women athletes at the Olympics. So, I am looking forward to the jointly held games." Another woman, who was taking care of a football team as a team assistant when she was a student, showed excitement saying, "When I was a student, I could not even imagine that a women's professional league would start in Japan. I hope that the league will become more popular in the future.
Additionally, the "Niigata prefecture parent-child football session" took place online. The purpose of the program was to familiarize people with football and the sports culture regardless of gender. This session was originally scheduled to be held at the stadium in conjunction with the other events, but due to the widespread of COVID-19, it was held online.
Twelve pairs of parents and children took part in the football session. Eight members of the team, including the captain and midfielder Ms. Megumi Kamionobe, goalkeeper Ms. Chika Hirao, midfielder Ms. Shiori Kato, and defender Ms. Hikaru Kitagawa and others conducted the session.
In a demonstration of passing the ball, the players showed off their remarkable skills as the children glared intently at the screen. The players gave advice and encouragement to the children, while also enjoying the interaction with the participants.
When Ms. Kitagawa asked the children for feedback, many of them replied, "it was fun.” Ms. Saki Nishizawa, a fourth grader and a fan of midfielder Ms. Mizuki Sonoda, shyly revealed that her “dream is to become a professional football player.”
After the second WE ACTION DAY of the season, Mr. Natsuki Ii, Public Relations Manager, said, "Niigata is a snowy region, so the football population is smaller than the inner-cities, which may be a disadvantage. However, the players' love for Niigata and the pride with which they play here is what makes them so attractive.” He continued "with the warmth of a family-like atmosphere from our local supporters, we aim to establish the WE LEAGUE brand and spread our philosophy.” Indicating that the team will continue its club-wide efforts in the future.
