On April 28th (Sunday), the Urawa Reds invited 145 children and their parents to a game this season through the Saitama Prefecture Children’s Shokudo Network (General Incorporated Association).
Children’s Shokudo is a children’s cafeteria that provides meals and provides a place for children to eat together in a situation where an increasing number of children are unable to eat satisfactorily or are forced to eat alone due to their parents’ poverty or dual income. It is an activity that connects people with diverse needs through food in the community by creating opportunities for people to eat together.
It is run by NPOs, volunteer organizations, restaurants, temples, churches, and individuals, with housewives and students participating as volunteers. In addition to providing meals, many children’s cafeterias also offer a variety of learning exchange programs, such as reading picture books, learning support, music, and games.
The Saitama Prefecture Children’s Shokudo Network is a network of children’s cafeterias that are increasing in number in the prefecture, but the people who run the children’s cafeterias and are in a situation where they have problems and cannot find friends to talk to, exchange information, It was launched with the aim of collaborating with local communities, governments, and companies.
The relationship between Urawa Reds and Kodomo Shokudo Network began in 2020.
The game was postponed due to the new coronavirus, and a large amount of food and ingredients purchased by stadium food and beverage outlets were left in limbo. In order to avoid a large amount of food wastage, the project began with the cooperation of Saitama Prefecture, in which stadium food and beverage vendors donated ingredients and food to children’s cafeterias through the Saitama Prefecture Children’s Cafeteria Network.
This connection was made, and on October 8, 2022 (Sagan vs. Tosu), in conjunction with the “Bread Festival” held at Saitama Stadium at the time, we will invite children who use the children’s cafeteria and provide bread with their meals. I watched the game with him. This initiative will be carried out again in 2023, making this the third time this season.
After the participants had gathered at the Minami View Restaurant in the back stands, Deputy Representative Minoru Shimizu, who greeted the Urawa Reds on behalf of the team, said, “An activity of the Urawa Reds is to give back to the community through soccer. I would appreciate it if you enjoyed it. I hope you will give me your strength today.”
After taking a commemorative photo with Radia, the participants received mugs and bread made from plastic bottles collected at Saitama Stadium, and then moved to the stands to watch and cheer.
Among the participants seated in the upper backstand seats, there were children holding Reds scarves and flags, and when the Reds cheering began, some children moved their bodies and clapped in time. On the other hand, some children seemed to be watching soccer at the stadium for the first time.
On this day, both teams traded points and everyone felt excitement, excitement, and suspense.The Reds won 2-1 against Nagoya Grampus, bringing smiles to the faces of many who visited Saitama Stadium. I was able to get him to go home.
This time, we provided bread to the participating children’s cafeteria users, as well as an opportunity to watch a soccer game, as well as cheer on the Reds supporters as the stadium became one, and the fans, supporters, and players coming together as one to create a “We Are You” team. They were also able to enjoy an experience unique to Saitama Stadium, singing “Are Diamonds”.
As a professional sports club with deep roots in the community, Urawa Reds will continue to be actively involved in social contribution activities and SDGs activities. In doing so, we would like to convey the excitement and joy of sports, including soccer, as our club’s philosophy states.
[Representative initiatives carried out by Urawa Reds in collaboration with Children’s Shokudo Network]
・In 2020, we implemented an initiative to deliver sweets from Yamazaki Biscuit Company (YBC) to children’s cafeterias.
・From 2021, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Reds will launch an action program called “Kono Yubi Tomares!”, which will work with supporters and supporters to solve local issues. Through the Saitama City Children’s Cafeteria Network, approximately 150 children’s cafeteria users are invited to Saitama Stadium once a year to watch a game and experience heartful soccer in a program called “Heartful Care.”
https://www.urawa-reds.co.jp/club/konoyubi/heartfullcare.php
Also, in the winter, under the title “REDS Santa,” Reds partner companies and Reds Business Club (RBC) companies provided gifts, and 1,200 Christmas presents were distributed to children’s cafeterias in Saitama City. provided.
https://www.urawa-reds.co.jp/club/konoyubi/redssanta.php
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]