They did finish the 1978 season in a relegation position (last of 10) but stayed up after beating Honda FC 1–0 on aggregate in a two-legged playoff.

The club initially built itself around the former Germany national football team player Pierre Littbarski.

Since the hiring of Ivica Osim in 2003, JEF United has contended for the league title each year despite limited resources and struggling attendance.

[1] On December 5, 2007, it was announced that Amar Osim had been sacked after the club's lowly 13th-place finish in the 2007 season.

Machida Zelvia, JEF played the playoffs, making their road to the final.

They defeated Yokohama FC by 4–0, but lost the final match to Oita Trinita by 1–0, at Tokyo National Stadium.

It had played its home matches at Ichihara Seaside Stadium, but has since moved to the larger, football-specific and more conveniently located Fukuda Denshi Arena, which opened in Chiba during the 2005 season.

Since 1 October 2009, they made new practice place UNITED PARK near the Fukuda Denshi Arena.

JEF United Ichihara's mascot characters are Akita Inu brothers named Jeffy and Unity.

Historically, JEF United's fiercest rivals have been Kashiwa Reysol and Urawa Reds, both close neighbors.

JEF United and Reysol first met in 1941 in ancient Kanto regional football league.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.