WAIMEA — Futsal fever took over Waimea’s Spencer “Kalani” Schutte District Park with the Inaugural Hawaii International Futsal Cup turning out to be a resounding success as the event showcased an outpouring of talent and passion from teams representing Hawaii and Japan.
The three-day tournament that began on July 27 certainly did not disappoint. Presented by the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Hawaii Futsal, WeGo Foundation, and HM-A, a Japanese marketing company, the event kicked off with an opening ceremony that featured hula and taiko drumming performances along with 220 athletes parading with their respective team flags.
Immediately, it set the stage for a tournament that would be more than just a futsal competition, but a reflection of the enduring relationship and cultural ties between the two regions. The harmonious blend of Hawaii’s distinct island heritage and Japan’s rich cultural traditions infused a unique spirit into the games, and left a lasting impression on spectators and participants alike.
The tournament structure began with intense age divisional games on Thursday and Friday, where teams battled fiercely to secure their spots for Saturday’s championship rounds. The futsal courts came alive with dazzling footwork, precise passes, and impressive goals as players from 7 years of age and up demonstrated their prowess.
In the U10 Co-Ed category, the Hawaii Warriors 13B proved to be a force to be reckoned with, while in the U12 Girls division, Na Hoa o Puna 11G, demonstrated their talent on the futsal court and emerged victorious. Meanwhile, the U12 Boys category witnessed an incredible showdown, with Kona Crush U12 Blue displaying an extraordinary level of determination to clinch the victory.
The older age groups did not disappoint either with the U14 Girls division witnessing exceptional performances with the Rush BI Girls Black taking home the trophy. On the boys’ side, the Hawaii Warriors U14 team brought their finesse and flair, earning a victory in the U14 Boys category.
In the competitive Open Women’s division, FC RedBlue Japan emerged victorious while in the Open Men’s category, Japan’s Elagua Tokyo showcased pro-level skills and passion for futsal in an action-packed competition that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
For the Big Island, the Hawaii International Futsal Cup holds a special significance as it adds a new chapter to its cherished relations with Japan while providing a platform for youth athletes to flourish in the sport they love. So, mark your calendar for next year as the Hawaii International Futsal Cup is destined to inspire generations of young athletes from both Hawaii and Japan for many years to come.
Note: Organizers would like to thank sponsors of the tournament who helped to make it happen: Japan Airlines, Genuino, Athleta, Kind Humans, Costco and Ironman.
