Japan Beach Soccer National Team head coach Marcelo MENDES and MOREIRA Ozu held the second beach soccer clinic of this year on Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June in Gamagori, Aichi.

On the first day, they gave a lecture and held a practice session for experienced players, who play beach soccer on a regular basis. They moved on to introducing the national team’s training, as well as attacks from set pieces, which they did not cover in last year’s clinic. In the practice session, the coach encouraged the participants strictly: “be more accurate!” or “faster!” The participants tried very hard to keep up.

On the second day, a clinic for beginners was held and approximately 50 elementary and junior high-school students in total joined the session. As there were many children new to beach soccer , they watched a video clip of various shots and tried over-the-head shots to enjoy themselves. In the end, under a clear sky both Marcelo and Ozu joined a mini game and finished the clinic with smiles all round.

Participants’ Comments

KOBAYASHI Ryo (SPOSiC FAMILIA)
It was only a one-day clinic, but I learned something for my future game through enthusiastic instruction from the coach and Ozu. As we’re not working enough on systematic plays and set pieces in my own team, I’d like to bring what I learned back to my team to continue practicing. I’m very grateful to them for hosting a clinic in a local area, especially when time is precious for them before the World Cup. I’d like to contribute to local beach soccer development through my team.

ASADA Sora（Carpe diem）
When we come across some tactical problems, usually we just discuss them in team meetings, without any outside advice. However, we had an opportunity to ask for advice from Marcelo, the head coach, and Ozu, as well as the participants from other teams. It was very productive. I’d like to share what I learned with my teammates to improve our team. I hope there’ll be more clinics in many areas.

YAMAZAKI Koichi (Tricorol)
I was inspired by learning the practice methods of the national team, which I have never tried in my own team. I’d like to bring back to my team what I learned and improve myself as well as my team. After attending a clinic for the first time, I hope that similar activities will be held in many other areas as well.

ONO Yuta (DIR ROSA)
It was the second time that I had joined a clinic after last year’s one. I learned something new. As it’s difficult to check set pieces in detail in normal practice sessions, it was very productive. Whenever I asked a question, I got a thorough answer, which made me enjoy myself even more in the clinic.