Established in 2002, the Diplomats are a parent-run club of military or military-associated families who desire a level of competition above recreational soccer.  In the United States, there are a broad array of competitive levels, including regional and select teams...this doesn't exist here on Okinawa. The Diplomats closely mirror U.S. select/club teams in that the children are required to try out for a spot on the roster. Girls and boys try out together and if you make the team, you step in to a whole new world of tough training, teamwork, and competition against Japanese teams that have been playing together for years.

     Having said that, the Diplomats are not just about soccer, and that’s one of the real strengths of the club. The teams play some of their games at Japanese schools and engage in cultural events with Okinawan families and community activities. It’s soccer, yes, but soccer with a nice cultural edge. Close contact with the Okinawan community builds friendships and dispels myths.  In the early years, Okinawan teams were sometimes reluctant to schedule an American team for various reasons.  Over the years, we've been very successful in establishing relationships with schools and clubs in the community, and we now boast a full schedule each season.

     The quality of coaching also prepares team members for the next level of play.  Diplomats players have gone on to play with the the boys' and girls' Kubasaki and Kadena High School varsity teams, and on to college soccer at schools like Bucknell, BYU Hawaii, and Winthrop to name a few.