The Tokyo Junior Football League will impose a ban on soccer matches in July and August to protect youngsters from the scorching heat. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The Tokyo equivalent of little league soccer will impose a blanket ban on official matches in summer to protect youngsters from heatstroke.

The Tokyo Junior Football League said no official games will be held in July and August due to scorching temperatures.

“Children’s lives and safety are more important than having a match,” said Yuji Yoshizane, the league’s top official.

It is unprecedented for any sports organization to impose an outright ban on official matches as a preventive measure against heatstroke.

About 36,000 elementary school children in 803 teams are registered with the league, one of the largest among all all prefectural chapters.

Up until last year, about 600 games that lead up to the national championships were scheduled in mid-summer.

The league has also urged city- and ward-level tournament organizers in the capital to avoid hosting matches during the period when temperatures can reach close to 40 degrees.

Concerns about the physical condition of players of any age during the summer months has been a much-debated topic in the Japan Football Association.

The Tokyo Junior Football league’s decision is seen as a pioneering case example.

Officials involved in collegiate soccer are also said to be expressing interest in the league's decision.