Hawaii kids get free access to pro-level coaching from Japan and the US this weekend, a small but real win for local youth sports.

• The Pacific Rim Cup soccer clinic is back at the Waipio soccer complex on Oahu, starting tomorrow.
• Blue United founder Toki Kudo and former Japan national team player Yuji Yamada are leading it, along with four coaches from Japan and Hawaii.
• The pitch to kids is simple: enjoy the game first, learn the skills second, and treat soccer as a way to make friends around the world.
• Interest in soccer has jumped since the US hosted the World Cup, and Hawaii's spot between Asia and North America makes it a natural meeting point.
• Sign-ups are at pacificrimcup.com/2026.

Outlook: The clinic runs this weekend, with the wider Pacific Rim Cup tournament expected to keep drawing Japanese and American teams to Hawaii.