Kikkoman Australia Pty. Limited Sponsors Local Soccer School Event
March 31, 2025
On February 9, Kikkoman Australia Pty. Limited (hereinafter KAP), the Kikkoman Group sales company in Australia, sponsored the 5th anniversary event of “Mate FC”, the local soccer school, held in Sydney’s Thomson Park, providing an opportunity for children to become familiar with Japanese cuisine.
Based in Sydney, Australia, soccer school “Mate FC” was established in 2020. Coached by former Japanese national soccer team players and current professional soccer players in overseas leagues, the school carries out activities to enhance children players’ soccer techniques, and beyond to develop “mind,” “skill” and “body,” as well as expand upon individual potential. Sharing Mate FC’s aims to “Deepen Ties with the Local Community” and “Promote Children’s Health and Improved Athletic Ability,” KAP sponsored this event.
About 240 participants (120 children, 120 parents) took part in the event which included a soccer clinic and mini game run by Mate FC coaches, as well as a physical fitness program to assess athletic ability of participants, and a wide variety of numerous activities.
KAP provided yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls) glazed with Kikkoman Soy Sauce and temaki sushi (hand-rolled sushi wrapped in nori seaweed), where event participants prepared each of these themselves on-site. We received many favorable comments from participants, including, “The yaki onigiri I made was super delicious!”, “I had so much fun” and “I want to participate again”.
In addition, a KAP Official Instagram follower booth was set-up and Kikkoman branded promotional products were presented to participants who followed the KAP account on the spot. Many event participants became new followers, smiling with their original promo products in hand.
Connections between participants and with the local community were further strengthened through this event, which was filled with smiles created by sports and delicious food. Offering the experience to enjoy handmade yaki onigiri and temaki sushi was an invaluable opportunity to showcase the appeal of the Kikkoman brand to participants.
An event organizer commented, “We were able to create fun and delicious memories making onigiri with the local soccer kids. I feel that being able to take part in an activity supporting their future health was highly significant”.
KAP will continue to promote healthy food lifestyles and well-being for the people of Australia through support of the local community, including Mate FC.