Four coaches from the Republic of Maldives who are certified by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) visited Japan from Tuesday 19 to Tuesday 26 February to learn the coaching and development methods utilised in Japan. This visit was made possible as part of the international sport contribution initiative led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The group first visited the JFA House in Tokyo to attend lectures given by the Japan Football Association (JFA) and the J. League on grassroots and other topics. They then visited Gotemba to observe the JFA Academy Fukushima, where they learned the development methods carried out by the JFA Academy. After observing the facilities of Tokinosumika, the coaches from Maldives participated in a practical coaching session.

Following their stay at Gotemba, the group made their ways to Kawasaki, where they observed the festival taking place in the JFA UNIQLO Soccer Kids at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki. Their stay in Kawasaki concluded by watching the opening match of the J. League (Kawasaki Frontale vs FC Tokyo) at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium. On the following day, Sunday 24, the group travelled to Kashiwa to observe the Kashiwa Reysol Academy. During their stay, the coaches were seen enjoying their time sightseeing and paying a visit to the Mosque to spend a productive time in Japan.

Observation Schedule

Coaches’ Comments

MOHAMED FAREED, Coach (AFC “B” Licence)
I am very grateful for all the support given by the people of Japan that allowed us to conclude our observations. I would also like to thank JFA President Tashima, the staffs of JFA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for welcoming us with such warm hospitality. Through this visit, we were given the opportunity to experience something we have never experienced before, and it was very intriguing. The lecture on the development of women’s football players, the observation of JFA Academy women’s team, and the observation of the grassroots in both men’s and women’s football were especially inspiring experiences for me. Once we return to our country, we will strive to utilise what we’ve learned here in Japan and see how we can implement them in our country.

ILHAM MUAVIYATH, Coach (AFC “A” Licence)
During our stay, we have learned how Japan has devoted their efforts in youth development and their academies. It provided us with a precious opportunity because youth development is a major factor for us. Through our observations, we were given the opportunity to take a close look at the wonderful facilities in Japan, but in Maldives, we don’t have such facilities, nor do we have enough land to build them. However, our time in Japan has given us many ideas to overcome our current situation. Once we return to Maldives, we will share our experience with the others and implement the ideas for our future growth. I would like to thank the JFA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, J. League, and everyone who has supported us during our stay in Japan for giving us this priceless experience.