SAITAMA — Tuesday's charity match between the national team and a J. League select XI gives soccer a high-profile platform to contribute to disaster relief efforts, but beneath the radar the desire to make a difference is just as strong.

Donations of money and supplies from clubs all over the country have been generous in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, but with the J. League mothballed until April 23, players have found themselves unable to do much more.

For Urawa Reds and Omiya Ardija, however, a chance to play a part — no matter how small — presented itself last week.