Yamaga FC is setting the stage for its 2025 season with vibrant preparations and community involvement as the team gears up to realize its ambition of J2 promotion. The enthusiasm surrounding the team's aspirations has been bolstered by community initiatives aimed at fostering supporter engagement.
The club launched the "Shinshu Greening Project," where supporters and staff distributed promotional posters across 11 municipalities, including Matsumoto, Azumino, Shiojiri, and Asa. This initiative aims to die the towns green, highlighting the club's identity and generating excitement for the upcoming season. Participants celebrated the event, gathering to call on local businesses, restaurants, and gas stations to display the club's colors and demonstrate community unity.
General Affairs Manager and Development Head Hiroshi Tetsudo expressed the significance of such initiatives by stating, "It's our first match tomorrow. We want to kick off strong by turning the towns green and sending our energy to the field." This reflects the club's desire to engage the local population and build momentum as they face their first match of the season.
The 2025 season starts with Yamaga FC's opening match against Numazu on February 23, 2025, taking place at Aishitaka Wide Park. This match signifies not only the start of the season but also the team's aspirations for victory after their challenging previous year. With their eyes set on achieving J2 promotion, the club aims to attain strong performance throughout the season.
Supporters like 24-year-old Natsuki Nakazawa, who has been cheering for Yamaga FC for 14 years, voiced their hopes for the upcoming season. "I want to end this year with smiles after the ups and downs of last season," Nakazawa shared, embodying the hopeful spirit among fans as they look forward to the games.
To make the 2025 season even more engaging, Yamaga FC also announced the continuation of its Epson Monthly MVP initiative. This fan-driven program aims to recognize the top-performing players each month based on supporter votes, allowing fans to have a direct influence on player appreciation. The program has gained traction since its inception, and the club plans to reward players through fan interaction.
The voting period for the Monthly MVP will take place after each match, where fans can cast their votes for their favorite players on the official site. The players with the most votes will be recognized as the MVP of their respective months, receiving awards and allowing fans to bond through their participation.
This year's initiative is intended not just to celebrate individual player achievements, but also to amplify the relationship between supporters and the team. The club aims to enrich the fan experience by involving them significantly and opening channels for engagement.
The culmination of these efforts reinforces Yamaga FC's commitment to maintaining strong links with its fanbase and the wider community. The supportive actions seen leading up to the season are not merely promotional—they indicate the heart of what it means to be part of the Yamaga family.
Heading toward the new season, the involvement of fans and communities is creating ripples of optimism and energy within the club. Yamaga FC is determined to make every match count and deliver strong performances, embodying the clubs’ ambition to rise to J2 soccer and bring joy to its devoted supporters.