Leifras to launch dribbling school in Japan through partnership with Travista and Masakazu Okabe in spring 2026.

LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFS) said it has entered into a school partnership agreement with TRAVISTA Co., Ltd. to launch a dribbling school in partnership with Travista. The company said the initiative is designed to expand its offerings and build what it describes as the largest dribbling school in Japan by combining Leifras’ nationwide operational infrastructure with the dribbling methodology of Masakazu Okabe.

Partnership structure and responsibilities

Under the agreement, Leifras will operate the dribbling school. TRAVISTA will develop and share its dribbling methods, including providing intellectual property rights related to its brand. TRAVISTA will also conduct monthly direct training sessions for Leifras staff and carry out public relations activities through social media.

Three key features of the project

Standardizing world-class coaching

Leifras said it expects to translate Mr. Okabe’s theory into a standardized, proprietary curriculum supported by video materials and manuals, enabling consistent instruction across all locations.

Integrating technique with character development

The company said it will combine Mr. Okabe’s technique with Leifras’ focus on non-cognitive skill development, aiming to develop athletes with strengths in mind, technique, and physical fitness.

Using Leifras’ existing sports school infrastructure

Leifras said it plans to leverage its nationwide operations and implement its management system and safety standards to support student safety within the project.

Mr. Masakazu Okabe’s comments

Mr. Okabe said he wanted to create a setting where children who want to improve their skills can engage directly, with an emphasis on increasing the time children spend handling the ball. He said improvement comes from taking on challenges and learning through failure, which he described as a building block of success.

He added that he has structured the reasons behind breakthroughs in dribbling into a reproducible theory, with the goal of creating an environment where children in any region can grow with certainty. He said the school aims to cultivate not only one-on-one skills but also a mindset that keeps children challenging themselves, producing players and leaders who take on challenges in soccer and beyond.

Background and strategic rationale

Leifras said its existing “Leifras Sports School” is designed to help children enjoy sports even if they are new or struggle, using a coaching philosophy centered on “acknowledge, praise, encourage, and motivate.” The company said it strictly prohibits physical punishment, verbal abuse, and a win-at-all-costs mentality, and focuses on developing non-cognitive skills such as leadership and teamwork.

Leifras said it is expanding into a new, technique-focused school in response to demand for specialized technical training and individualized skill development. The company said it plans to incorporate non-cognitive skill development alongside technical training, and believes combining Mr. Okabe’s brand power and methodology with its nationwide operations positions it to create new value.

Future development

Leifras said it is preparing to launch its flagship dribbling school, a new soccer school intended to ignite children’s ambition to “get even better,” in the spring of 2026. The company said additional details will be announced as they become available.

About LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Leifras describes itself as a sports and social business company focused on youth sports and community engagement. It provides services related to the organization and operations of sports schools and sports events for children. As of December 31, 2025, Tokyo Shoko Research recognized Leifras as one of Japan’s largest operators of children’s sports schools by both membership and facilities.

The company said its sports education approach emphasizes non-cognitive skills, following the principle “acknowledge, praise, encourage, and motivate.” It also operates a social business sector that dispatches sports coaches to meet community needs, aiming to promote physical health, social inclusion, and community well-being across different demographics.

Forward-looking statements

Leifras said certain statements in the announcement are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. The company said it undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements except as required by law, and cautioned that actual results may differ materially from expectations.