How do you say “Queens Soccer School” in Japanese?
Well, maybe not, but this is the name of the first Japanese-style academy in New York City, and it’s located at Socceroof Long Island City at 36-39 35th St.
Blue United is open to children from various age groups and any cultural background. The coaches focus on teaching soccer skills — naturally — but also on inculcating values that abound in Japanese culture, such as hard work, respect, punctuality, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Ryuji Miyamatsu, who came up through the Jubilo Iwata Academy, is the head coach. Other staffers include Keiichi Ito, who played for the University of Tokyo Association Football Club; Taishi Fujita, who represented Fujieda Higashi High School and Keio University; and Takehiko Nakamura, who honed his skills at the Aoyama Gakuin University.
Socceroof Long Island City is a state-of-the-art facility with four indoor turf fields and bright lighting. Spectators can hang out in a lounge area with a coffee shop and bar. The closest subway stations are 36 St on the E, F, M, and R lines and 36 Av on the N and W lines.
Membership for an entire year is $1,815.99 or pay $742.72 for four months. A trial session costs $40 and a one-month trial for first-timers is available for $200. Click here for all the prices.
With headquarters in New York and Tokyo and branches around the world, Blue United is an international business development company that connects Japan to the world through sports. Clients include City Football Group, Sevilla FC, MLS, Kashima Antlers, J.League, and Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting.
Images: Blue United