The final module of the Class S Coach Training Course 2019 took place, as the participants went through written exam, oral exam, and coaching exam to conclude the coaching course that started in April. In order to receive their class S coaching licence, the participants must pass all exams before conducting domestic and international internships and submit a report to the Technical Committee.

Module5

Participant’s Comment

Mr. KITAHARA Jiro
The final module started at JISS (Japan Institute of Sports Sciences) from Monday 2 to Thursday 5 December, before moving to J-Step (National Training Centre Shimizu) for the second half of the module that took place on Monday 9 to Thursday 12 December.

Mon. 2 December
The final session on physical conditioning was held by Mr. YASUMATSU Mikinobu (Rikkyo University) from the JFA Physical Fitness Programme, and Mr. YANO Yoshiharu, who is the physical coach of Fagiano Okayama. The two lectured us with practical training menus and knowhows on periodisation trainings. Their approach to divide the yearly season into six to seven week phases has given me a new insight on the training methods. It was very interesting to see how their systematic planning involved progressive cycles that were implemented with scientific measures to reach the best possible performance in a specific period.

Tue. 3 December
We were first given a lecture on JFA’s activities from JFA Technical Director SEKIZUKA Takashi. Through the lecture, we were given the opportunity to learn about JFA’s goals for 2050, which gave us extra motivation to help the Japan National Team win the World Cup in the future. Then, National Training Centre Coach Mr. HAMASAKI Yoshimi shared us with the Technical Study Group (TSG) Report from the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2019 held in brazil earlier this year. Through the TSG report, we were given an insight on what it takes to reach the quarterfinals at an international tournament and the participants were given the opportunity to discuss about this topic. The final lecture given on this day was a lecture on modern trends of international football, especially in Europe. The lecture was given by our Chief Instructor Mr. SUZUKI Jun, as he shared us with the changes seen in the recent 10 years. This topic made us realise the importance to stay keen on current trends and to stay ahead of the curve to help Japanese football reach higher levels at the world stage.

Wed. 4 – Thu. 5 December
During these two days, the written exam and oral exam were conducted. The written exam covered a wide variety of topics we learned throughout the year, as the participants were asked to solve nine questions from three fields: “Football,” “Coaching and Management Theory,” and “Sports Science.” During the oral exam, we watched a J.League match to analyse and explain the strategical approach taken in four different scenes. With the exam taking place in an interactive format, we gave a presentation on how we would implement the strategies in real life. Both the written exam and oral exam were conducted under a very intense atmosphere and with the exams requiring the participants to prepare for a long period of time, it really gave us the opportunity to face ourselves.

Mon. 9 – Thu. 12 December
On the following week, we made our ways to Shizuoka to take our final coaching exam. At the final exam, each participant drew from the seven themes we learned over the year and held a training session for 25 minutes. Based on the given theme, we implemented the system into our coaching concepts to conduct the training session. It felt like we had trained all year for this 25 minute and the time we spent to improve ourselves were just priceless.

At the closing ceremony held on the final day, Chief Instructor Suzuki stressed the importance that we remain true to ourselves and have our own originality. We have learned so much and gained great inspiration through the past year, and it felt like the year had gone by so quickly.

I would like to thank all the instructors, teachers, administrative staffs, members of Mitsubishi Yowa, members of Ryutsu Keizai University football club, members of Edogawa University football club, and all other staff members who have made this coaching course possible. I would also like to thank everyone who has allowed me to join this coaching course and supported me over the year to get through this course. With the support of everyone, we have managed to conclude this coaching course. By utilising what we have learned through this course, we hope to give back to all the supporters by helping the footballers of our regions.

We all came here to improve ourselves and every participant brought a strong sense of commitment upon joining the course. It was very inspiring to spend time with such people, and it allowed me to really reflect on myself to find out about my strengths and weaknesses. That process was not always a pleasant experience, but it might have been a necessary step for us to grow as a person. In my case, I was able to overcome that challenge with the support of the fellow participants, so I am very grateful for my peers.

I was told by many people that this Class S Coach Training Course is not the goal, but rather a starting point. I will continue to work hard to become a better coach and strive to make contributions to the Japanese football community in the future. In behalf of the 23rd class members, thank you very much for the entire year.