Snow gives way to lush greenery in summer at Club Med Kiroro Grand
No snow? No worries. Hokkaido’s ski slopes may have turned Japan’s northernmost island into Asia’s favorite winter sports destination, but young sports fans—and their families—now have a compelling reason to visit when there’s no chance of any powder. Brazilian soccer legend Zico will be bringing his Zico 10 Camp to Hokkaido this summer.
The Zico 10 Camp, hosted by Club Med Kiroro Grand in partnership with the soccer great, is offering kids aged between six and 17 the chance to work with talented coaches—and in some cases, Zico himself—to refine their soccer techniques.
The famous midfielder, whose real name is Arthur Antunes Coimbra, was arguably the world’s best player in the late 1970s and early 80s. Now in his spritely 70s, Zico will be helping teach the stylish, rhythmic Brazilian-style football that many liken to the samba, the country’s spirited national dance. Over six weeks, young guests at the resort can join the weekly camps, which are included in Club Med’s all-inclusive rates.
Brazilian footballer Zico (center) is launching the Zico 10 Camp at Club Med Kiroro Grand
When they’re not perfecting their passes on the pitch, kids have a host of other summer activities to enjoy on the slopes—even some of Zico’s favorite non-soccer pastimes. “I have an injury in my knee, so I always try to do low-impact exercise, like swimming,” he says. Guests can follow his lead in the property’s heated indoor pool or in the therapeutic whirlpool spa—or they can embark on more active adventures, including nature hikes, Nordic walking, horse riding and e-biking. There’s even mountain boarding for those determined to hit the slopes without the snow.
The Brazil–Japan Connection
This partnership between Zico and Club Med began decades ago, when the footballer met Club Med’s South American CEO Janyck Daudet in Brazil. Since the late ’80s, Zico has seen other former players create their own soccer camps, so eventually the two joined forces and launched the Zico 10 Club in Brazil in 2018.
Since then, the camps have trained more than 6,700 young footballers at Club Med Lake Paradise and Club Med Rio das Pedras. “Teaching the kids to play soccer gives me energy and I enjoy participating in the camps,” says Zico. “The kids are always asking me for tips, like how to do free kicks.”
Zico back in the day. Acervo o Globo CC BY 2.0
Zico’s coaching in action. Photo by Mohan CC BY 2.0
Bringing the Zico 10 Camp to Club Med Kiroro Grand this year is not as random a choice as it might initially seem. In fact, Zico has a long-standing relationship with Japan that began in 1991, when he played for the J. League’s Kashima Antlers. He then went on to coach Japan’s national team at the 2006 FIFA World Club and now serves as the technical director for the Antlers. “I have a very strong relationship with the Japanese community and with soccer in Japan,” he says. “Since my duties with the Antlers are now less demanding, I have time to bring Zico 10 Camp to Japan and teach kids the Brazilian style of soccer.”
Mountain biking
Fishing
Alpine trail walking
Action-oriented getaways
In case you’re not familiar with Club Med, sports are a key element of the experience at their resorts, so Zico 10 Camp is really a perfect fit for the brand. “We’re known to be one of the biggest sports schools in the world because at any one resort, we have over 20 activities you can participate in as part of the all-inclusive offering,” says Rachael Harding, CEO of East, South Asia, and Pacific for Club Med.
“We always try and partner with people or companies that share the same passion for fitness and wellness…[Zico] aligns perfectly with our wanting to give back to kids and education and promote sports.”
The launch of Zico 10 Camp in Japan is the latest manifestation of Club Med’s ambition to support children in discovering and nurturing their passions. “Parents love children to come and experience more than just a holiday, and we subtly try to do that with what we offer, whether it be through the mini sports that we offer like sailing, tennis, or whatever it may be,” says Harding.
A Family Superior Room at Club Med Kiroro Grand
Sukiyaki, Japanese traditional hot pot
“We’ve worked with child psychologists for a long time to adapt programs to give children confidence, social skills, and even learn about the local culture or sustainability…ultimately, we want to give them a skill set beyond just playing games.”
“Zico is really well known in Japan, he’s given a lot to the local football community, so he’s really famous here, but a lot of international travelers will know him, too,” she adds. “Japan is a very on-trend destination at the moment, and our resort up in Hokkaido is very beautiful and has six soccer pitches, so it seemed like a natural fit [to bring Zico 10 Camp here].”
The Zico 10 Club is included in Club Med’s all-inclusive rates
clubmed.co.jp
Photos courtesy of Club Med Kiroro Grand unless otherwise stated.
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Written By
Gayatri Bhaumik
Gayatri Bhaumik is a professional writer and communicator, and an avid traveller.
Always ready ..Read Morefor her next adventure, Gayatri took her first flight at 10 days old and hasn’t looked back since. After long stints in Bangkok, Melbourne and London, she is now based in Hong Kong.
Gayatri currently contributes travel and lifestyles stories to a range of publications including Travel + Leisure SEA, ECHELON, SPH Magazines, Forbes Travel Guide, Luxe City Guides, Elite Traveler, Hong Kong Madame, Chika Magazine, Destination Deluxe, and The Loop HK. Read Less
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