Aims to Reduce Teacher Workloads and Cultivate a High-Quality Youth Sports Environment
,  /PRNewswir...

Aims to Reduce Teacher Workloads and Cultivate a High-Quality Youth Sports Environment
,  /PRNewswire/ -- LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFS) (the "Company" or "Leifras"), a sports and social business company dedicated to youth sports and community engagement, today announced that it had been awarded the "FY2026 Shingu Town Public Junior High School Weekend Club Activity Management and Operation Contract" by Shingu Town, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture (the "Contract"). The Contract represents a continued expansion of the Company's role as a trusted operating partner in Japan's ongoing transition toward community-based management of school club activities.
Contract Overview

 Client: Shingu Town, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture
 Contract Period: March 13, 2026, to March 31, 2027
 Target School and Club Activities: Weekend club activities at Shingu Town Junior High School

Background: Reducing Teacher Workloads While Enhancing the Quality and Safety of Student Activities
School club activities have long played a central role in fostering teamwork and independence among students in Japan. However, Japan's educational landscape today calls for structural reform to reduce teacher workloads while enhancing the quality and safety of student activities. In response, the Japanese government is promoting a nationwide transition of club activities to community-based management. Shingu Town also faced an urgent need to build a sustainable operational framework that leverages the expertise of the private sector, with an eye toward the phased transition of weekend club activities to community-based management. Against this backdrop, Leifras, with a proven track record of supporting club activities nationwide, was selected to undertake this project.
Initiatives and Value Offered in Shingu Town
Under the Contract, Leifras will handle the following management and operational duties for the weekend club activities at Shingu Town Junior High School:

 Safe, high-quality instruction and supervision by certified instructors: Instructors trained under Leifras' rigorous training program lead club activities on weekends to help children improve their skills and develop non-cognitive abilities. The Company also prioritizes safety when supervising children during events such as matches.
 Smooth coordination among parents, schools, and the community: By serving as the point of contact between schools (teachers) and parents and handling operational tasks such as communication, coordination, and attendance management, the Company aims to establish a new model for extracurricular activities, in which the entire community supports the children.

Future Outlook: Toward a Sustainable Infrastructure for Club Activities 
Through this commissioned project, the Company expects to contribute to reforming working conditions for teachers in Shingu Town while preserving an environment where children can fully enjoy sports and cultural activities. Moving forward, as a leading private-sector company dedicated to youth sports and community engagement in Japan, Leifras intends to continue to build new infrastructure for extracurricular activities in order to help make Japan's educational landscape more sustainable.
Market Environment and Trends
Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has designated the six-year period from 2026 to 2031 as the "Reform Implementation Period" under its "Comprehensive Guidelines for the Reform of Club Activities and the Promotion of Community Club Activities". The guidelines clearly state the following specific initiatives for this period:
            Weekend Club Activities: In principle, MEXT aims to shift all weekend club activities to community-based models.
            Weekday Club Activities: MEXT plans to execute further reforms while addressing various issues.
This signifies that following the previous trial Promotion Period (FY2023–2025), the implementation of the guidelines have now entered a phase of full-scale transition to community-based club activities across all local governments.
The Contract with Shingu Town is a continuation of the contract from the previous fiscal year (FY2025) and serves as a pioneering example within this "Reform Implementation Period" that fully aligns with the national roadmap.
As this nationwide transition to community-based clubs accelerates, Leifras aims to further strengthen its position in the expanding market for outsourced public education-related services.
Achievements in the Club Activity Support
Leifras has been supporting school clubs since before the nationwide call for community-based transition of club activities and has been cooperating with a number of local governments across Japan. The Company's financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, reflected a high demand for school club support, with social business sales increasing 32.8% year-on-year and the number of schools contracted for club activities increasing 9.8% year-on-year, demonstrating continued growth.

 Social business sales: JPY3,168.3 million (+32.8% year-on-year)
 Number of schools contracted for club activities: 360 schools (+9.8% year-on-year)

Selected Ongoing Projects Since Fiscal Year 2024
Leifras is expanding its portfolio of club activity support projects, including multi-year contracts, primarily in urban areas and large municipalities.

 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City (Chikusa Ward, Showa Ward, and 14 other wards): New athletic and cultural activity projects at Nagoya City elementary schools
 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City: Nagoya Club Activity Talent Bank Contract Project
 Tokyo, Minato Ward: Club activity coaching services

Selected New Projects Since Fiscal Year 2025

 Osaka Prefecture, Suita City: Suita City Junior High School Club Activity Management and Operation Services
 Tokyo, Shibuya Ward: Operation and management personnel and specialized instructor placement for 10 athletic clubs at two public junior high schools
 Hokkaido, Monbetsu City: Monbetsu City Community Club Management Services

About LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.Headquartered in Tokyo, Leifras is a sports and social business company dedicated to youth sports and community engagement. The Company primarily provides services related to the organization and operations of sports schools and sports events for children. As of December 31, 2025, Leifras was recognized as one of Japan's largest operators of children's sports schools in terms of both membership and facilities by Tokyo Shoko Research. The Company's approach to sports education emphasizes the development of non-cognitive skills, following the teaching principle "acknowledge, praise, encourage, and motivate." The holistic approach that integrates physical and mental development sets Leifras apart in the industry. Building upon deep experience and know-how in sports education, Leifras also operates a robust social business sector, dispatching sports coaches to meet various community needs with the aim to promote physical health, social inclusion, and community well-being across different demographics.
For more information, please visit the Company's website: https://ir.leifras.co.jp/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as "approximates," "believes," "hopes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may," or other similar expressions in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.
For more information, please contact:
LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.Investor Relations DepartmentEmail: [email protected]
Ascent Investor Relations LLCTina XiaoPhone: +1-646-932-7242Email: [email protected]
SOURCE LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.

LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. Awarded Contract to Manage Weekend Club Activities in Shingu Town

Leifras Secures Key Contract to Manage Youth Sports Activities in Japan

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Aims to Reduce Teacher Workloads and Cultivate a High-Quality Youth Sports Environment
,  /PRNewswir...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Leifras has secured a significant contract with Shingu Town to manage weekend junior high school sports activities from March 2026. This positions the company favorably amidst Japan&#039;s transition to community-based management of school sports, potentially impacting growth positively in the youth sports sector.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Leifras awarded a contract by Shingu Town for weekend club activities.</li><li>Contract spans March 2026 to March 2027, enhancing community club management.</li><li>MEXT promotes shift to community-based club activities from 2026.</li><li>Leifras experienced 32.8% rise in social business sales in FY2025.</li><li>Company aims to capitalize on growing market for public education services.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. (LFS)</strong>: Positioned as a leader in youth sports management amid industry reforms.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This update fits &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as it highlights a significant contract and strategic shift in Leifras&#039; operational focus, indicating a robust response to national educational reforms.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Awarding of the contract validates Leifras&#039; leadership in youth sports management.</li><li>Growing demand for outsourced public education services could lead to further contracts.</li><li>MEXT&#039;s shift to community-based clubs supports long-term growth for Leifras.</li><li>Increased operating scale may yield improved financial performance for LFS.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Contract awarded: March 2026 to March 2027 for Shingu Town.</li><li>Leifras reported social business sales of JPY3,168.3 million in FY2025.</li><li>Company&#039;s school contracts rose by 9.8% year-on-year.</li><li>Japan&#039;s MEXT has set a &#039;Reform Implementation Period&#039; from 2026 to 2031.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Investors should consider a moderate bullish stance on LFS as contracts drive revenue growth in the short-term.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
  <h2>LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. Secures Contract for Weekend Club Activities Management in Shingu Town</h2>
  <p>LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFS), a leading provider in youth sports and community engagement, has announced it has been awarded the "FY2026 Shingu Town Public Junior High School Weekend Club Activity Management and Operation Contract." This contract marks a significant milestone in LFS's ongoing commitment to enhancing community-based management of school club activities in Japan.</p>

  <section>
    <h3>Contract Overview</h3>
    <ul>
      <li><strong>Client:</strong> Shingu Town, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture</li>
      <li><strong>Contract Period:</strong> March 13, 2026, to March 31, 2027</li>
      <li><strong>Target Activities:</strong> Weekend club activities at the Shingu Town Junior High School</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h3>Transforming Student Activity Management</h3>
    <p>School club activities are vital in fostering teamwork and independence among students in Japan. However, the educational landscape is evolving, necessitating a structural reform to alleviate teacher workloads and enhance the quality and safety of these activities. The Japanese government is advocating for a shift toward community-based management to address these challenges.</p>
    <p>In response to this initiative, Shingu Town recognized the need for a sustainable operational framework that utilizes private sector expertise. Therefore, LFS was selected for this project due to its extensive experience and proven track record in managing school club activities.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h3>Management Initiatives by LFS</h3>
    <p>Under the terms of the contract, LFS will undertake several key responsibilities:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Providing safe and high-quality instruction through certified instructors trained in LFS's rigorous program.</li>
      <li>Ensuring effective communication and coordination among parents, schools, and the community to support school activities.</li>
      <li>Supervising club events with a focus on safety, helping children enhance their skills and non-cognitive abilities.</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h3>Future Outlook: Sustainable Infrastructure for Youth Sports</h3>
    <p>LFS aims to contribute positively to the reform of working conditions for teachers while enabling children in Shingu Town to enjoy a rich variety of sports and cultural activities. As a prominent company in youth sports in Japan, LFS plans to continue developing infrastructure to support extracurricular activities, promoting sustainability within the educational system.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h3>Market Trends and Background</h3>
    <p>The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has dedicated the period from 2026 to 2031 as the "Reform Implementation Period." This initiative promotes the transition of weekend club activities to community-based management, a significant step away from previous practices.</p>
    <p>The contract with Shingu Town builds on a foundation laid in the last fiscal year, reflecting a broader national commitment to these educational reforms. LFS's role positions it as a key player during this transition, as other local governments also shift towards community-based club activities.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h3>Achievements and Growth at LFS</h3>
    <p>LFS has been at the forefront of supporting school clubs, working closely with various local governments across Japan. The company reported significant growth in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025:</p>
    <ul>
      <li><strong>Social business sales:</strong> JPY 3,168.3 million (+32.8% year-on-year)</li>
      <li><strong>Number of schools contracted for club activities:</strong> 360 schools (+9.8% year-on-year)</li>
    </ul>
    <p>This upward trend demonstrates LFS's increasing relevance in the market for outsourced public education services.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h3>Expansion of Club Activity Support Projects</h3>
    <p>LFS is expanding its portfolio of club activity support projects, including multi-year contracts in substantial urban areas:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City: New athletic and cultural activities in Nagoya elementary schools.</li>
      <li>Tokyo, Minato Ward: Coaching services for school club activities.</li>
      <li>Osaka Prefecture, Suita City: Club activity management services for junior high schools.</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h3>About LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.</h3>
    <p>Headquartered in Tokyo, LFS is recognized as one of Japan's largest operators of children's sports schools, focusing on developing non-cognitive skills through sports education. The company emphasizes a holistic approach to physical and mental development, and aims to foster community well-being through diverse social business initiatives.</p>
    <p>For more information, please visit the <a href="https://ir.leifras.co.jp/">LFS website</a>.</p>
  </section>

</article>

Leifras has secured a significant contract with Shingu Town to manage weekend junior high school sports activities from March 2026. This positions the company favorably amidst Japan's transition to community-based management of school sports, potentially impacting growth positively in the youth sports sector.

LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. Awarded Contract to Manage Weekend Club Activities in Shingu Town

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

Related News