The final module of the Class S Coach Training Course 2021 has started.

Module 5 will be held for two-week, during which the participants will go through the course summary, oral exam, written exam, and practical coaching exam.

Module 5 Intensive Course (11)

Date: Mon. 29 November - Thu. 2 December

Participant's Comment

Mr. FURUKAWA Tsuyoshi
Eight months have passed since our first meeting in April, and now only Module 5: Intensive Course (11) and the final exam remain. This week, four lectures were held at Prince Takamado Memorial JFA YUME Field, “Club Management,” “Physical Conditioning,” “J.League Academy Initiatives,” and “Rules and Contracts,” followed by “Training Observation of Yokohama F. Marinos,” and the final exams, which consist of “oral exam” and “written exams.”

In the “Club Management” section, we learned from Kashima Antlers’ Mr. SUZUKI Mitsuru about the philosophy of the almighty club and part of the reason why they were able to win 20 major titles, which is the most in the J.League. As an aspiring coach, I was deeply inspired by what he had to say about the requirements for a good coach, which were the abilities to “handle people well,” and “make decisions based on their own criteria.”

In the “Physical Conditioning” section, Mr. KANNO Atsushi of JFA and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo's physical coach OTSUKA Shunsuke talked about the actual coaching situation of the top team. We learned that the data obtained from GPS and other sources can be utilised by incorporating it with the actual eye-test of the coaches. We also learned that they set weekly benchmarks for distance covered and total sprint distance and construct their training menus to compensate for the lack of fitness in case the players do not meet their benchmarks. Through their lecture, we were able to learn the importance of work-load management and physical recovery.

In the “J.League Academy Initiatives” section, Mr. MASUMOTO Nobuhiro talked about projects to nurture and produce world class players, such as the “2030 Football Vision” and “Project DNA,” as well as the league’s initiatives to develop coaches and staff members. Ms. YOSHIDA Kiyomi gave us a lecture on “Rules and Contracts,” where she talked about contract security, dispute resolution by FIFA, protection of minors (U-18), compensation for training, and the concept of solidarity contribution.

In the “Training Observation of Yokohama F. Marinos,” we were able to see how the build-ups, tempo, relationships, focus, energy, and enthusiasm were all condensed into a short training session. It was something we have learned through this Class S Coach Training Course, and we were shown a training session that could serve as a model. In addition, despite the fact that the final match-week of the season was just around the corner, coach Kevin MUSCAT took the time to talk to us after the training session about the purpose of the training and his philosophy.

Then came the oral and written exams. I'm sure that each one of us have spent a lot of time studying for the exam, probably for the first time since our school days, going over the materials and notes that we have learned so far. Now that the exams are submitted, we will just need to have our fingers crossed.

After eight months of precious learning experience with my fellow course-mates, only one week remains, as we are set to take our final exam, which will take place in the form of a practical coaching session. Throughout this course, we were exposed to many different values and interpretations, and sometimes we had to deny and rebuild what we had built up to this point of our career. I would like to thank all the participants, instructors, support staff, and support players for making this course possible, and try to finish off the course on a high note.

Next time, we will share the report (final report of 2021) of Ms. MIYAMOTO Tomomi and Mr. YOSHIMOTO Takafumi.