FC Ryukyu forward Cal Jennings leads Bechtel Elementary School students in a game designed to teach soccer fundamentals at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, March 19, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — About 300 Defense Department elementary school students got a lesson in soccer — and perseverance — from a professional player last week.
Cal Jennings, a forward for the Okinawa-based FC Ryukyu, visited students in first through fifth grades at Bechtel Elementary School on Thursday, sharing his journey from childhood in Atlanta to professional soccer in Japan before leading hands-on drills in the gymnasium.
Wearing his training jersey, Jennings, who plays in Japan’s J3 League, spoke candidly about his path to the sport, then answered questions from students eager to learn what it takes to become a professional athlete.
“I’ll take any chance that I can get just to connect with the community, whether it’s American or Japanese,” he told Stars and Stripes after the event. “The relationship between the two countries is extra prevalent on this island.”
FC Ryukyu forward Cal Jennings speaks with Bechtel Elementary School students at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, March 19, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
After his presentation, Jennings worked with about 40 students, dividing them into four teams for a series of soccer-themed activities designed to build fundamental skills. FC Ryukyu’s mascot, Jinbe-nho, a whale shark representing Okinawa’s marine life, helped, too.
The session began with simple passing drills, with students using their hands to develop coordination and timing. It progressed to exercises focused on footwork, including dribbling across the gym floor and shooting into small goals.
“My favorite part was the games,” said second-grader Killian Donnelly, who hopes to become a pro soccer player. “It felt really cool, and I finally got to see a professional who does something I really love.”
FC Ryukyu forward Cal Jennings leads Bechtel Elementary School students in a game designed to teach soccer fundamentals at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, March 19, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
After about 30 minutes of drills, students returned to their classrooms, some still buzzing as they repeated tips and techniques to one another.
A smaller group of fans, including parents and staff, remained behind for autographs and photos. Donnelly, wearing an FC Ryukyu jersey, beamed as Jennings signed his name across the back.
Bechtel Elementary students Killian and Ronin Donnelly pose with FC Ryukyu player Cal Jennings and Jinbe-nho, the team’s mascot, at the school on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, March 19, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Jennings said he was struck by the turnout and enthusiasm.
“I think that that’s positive and maybe one day [they] want to be a soccer player or maybe one day chase another dream by putting in the work to do so,” he said.
