A Message from the JFA Coach Education Director

JFA Coach Education Director KIMURA Yasuhiko on coach education: “Creating an environment where coaches can enjoy learning and take an active role in their own development.”

Japan Football Association (JFA) promotes coach education through a range of coach education courses tailored to different needs, as well as refresher courses that encourage coaches to continue learning. In this interview, KIMURA Yasuhiko, JFA Coach Education Director, discusses the role and responsibilities of coaches, the qualities they should value, and the philosophy behind JFA's coach education courses.

※This interview was conducted on 15 April 2024.

※This interview was conducted on 15 April 2024.

Helping Players Reach Their Potential

――You were appointed JFA Coach Education Director in February 2024.

KIMURA: Since becoming a National Training Centre Coach (now JFA Coach) in 2006, I have been involved in a wide range of activities, including regional training centres, Japan's youth national teams, the Elite Programme, and JFA coach education courses as an instructor (now tutor). Through my work in national team development and player development, I came to recognise the importance of coaches and the significant role they play. Taking on the position of JFA Coach Education Director has made me realise once again the responsibility that comes with the role, while also giving me a great sense of purpose.

――The importance of coaches is recognised around the world, and their role is likely to become even more important in Japan in the years ahead.

KIMURA: If you look at Europe and across Asia, countries whose national teams consistently achieve success are those that place great importance on coach education. The coach education system we have developed in Japan has already achieved a great deal, but we must continue to refine it and make it even better.

――What do you see as the role of a coach?

KIMURA: The role is wide-ranging. While the emphasis differs depending on the age group and playing category, a coach's responsibilities on the pitch include creating a safe environment where players can enjoy football and helping them reach their full potential. Off the pitch, coaches also play an important role as educators and supporters. This role includes promoting good nutrition, supporting players' mental wellbeing, and helping them develop as individuals. Managing a club or team is another important responsibility.

――Expectations of coaches continue to grow.

KIMURA: Football continues to evolve, with new ideas and approaches emerging all the time. If coaches stop learning, they cannot continue to provide high-quality coaching. As society changes, coaching also needs to reflect the needs of today's players and young people. For example, I believe there will be an even greater need for coaching that takes account of each player's personality and stage of development. Every coach has different strengths, but it is important to broaden your range of approaches, make good use of technology, and continue learning with an open mind.

――Continuing to learn with an open mind seems to be an important principle.

KIMURA: It is, and passion lies at the heart of it. Coaches will inevitably face challenges, but those are the moments when the desire to help players improve and to make the team stronger matters most. Players recognise that passion, and it leads to better coaching.

――What do you find most rewarding about being a coach?

KIMURA: Being able to support players in their development. It is a role that carries great responsibility, but having a positive influence on each individual is one of its greatest rewards. Over the years, I have worked with many players. Some have become professional footballers, while others have gone on to become coaches themselves, and I have met them again through coach education courses. Whatever path they have chosen, seeing how they have grown gives me great satisfaction.

Learning Together Through Interaction

――High-quality coach education courses are essential to developing good coaches. What kind of courses are you aiming to deliver?

KIMURA: In addition to acquiring knowledge and skills, we want our courses to make the most of the knowledge and experience that participants bring with them. We aim to create courses where tutors and participants—and participants themselves—learn from one another through two-way interaction. This is reflected in the change in terminology from "Instructor" to "Tutor." Rather than tutors simply providing answers and participants passively receiving information, we want everyone to take an active role in the learning process.

――What do you see as the tutor's role, and what do you consider important in creating the right learning environment?

KIMURA: The participants are at the centre of every course, so the tutor's role is to support each individual while paying close attention to the learning process. The courses follow a structured curriculum to ensure that the essential knowledge is covered, but that is only one part of the learning experience. Based on the principle of "enjoyable, learner-centred learning," we encourage participants to learn actively through group work and discussion.
We also place great importance on ensuring that what participants learn can be applied in their own coaching environments—whether that means helping them address challenges they are currently facing or providing ideas they can put into practice in their day-to-day coaching.

――One of the strengths of these courses is that they bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds.

KIMURA: Coaches from different disciplines and age groups attend the courses, alongside experienced coaches, school teachers, parent-coaches, people with no playing experience, and high school and university students. People from many different backgrounds come together in one place. Learning alongside people with different experiences and perspectives provides valuable opportunities to broaden your own outlook. Sharing your own experiences also helps deepen the learning of others. Above all, one of the greatest benefits is the network of colleagues that develops as coaches learn together and share common challenges.

――The coach licensing system continues to evolve.

KIMURA: We have introduced the Elite Youth A Licence and Youth B Licence, while establishing a core coaching licence pathway from the D Licence through to the S Licence. We also offer specialist licences in areas such as goalkeeping, futsal and physical fitness. This enables coaches to choose courses that best match their individual needs.
Learn more about the JFA Coaching Licence System.

――What learning opportunities are available to coaches after obtaining a coaching licence?

KIMURA: Learning does not end with obtaining a coaching licence. Coaches holding a JFA coaching licence can access JFA Technical News, which provides a wide range of information for registered coaches, and they can also take part in refresher courses. Many coaches are keen to continue improving their coaching, so we also offer skills development courses that help prepare them for higher-level licences. We recognise that we are not yet able to meet every need, and we will continue working to expand opportunities for coaches to keep learning throughout their careers.

――Finally, what message would you like to share with coaches across Japan and with those interested in obtaining a JFA coaching licence?

KIMURA: These courses provide a valuable opportunity for people from a wide range of backgrounds to come together and learn from one another. They offer plenty of opportunities to be inspired, to challenge yourself, and to build a network with fellow coaches. I hope many coaches will take part.
I look forward to continuing to raise coaching standards together with all of you. As the JFA, we will continue working to enhance both the quality and the availability of our courses so that we can meet the needs of coaches across the country.