The periodical JFA Challenge Games ``Let’s be Craque!’’ and ``Let’s be Fantasista!’’ were held on the 26th April (Saturday) at the Japan Football Museum.
This time, two challengers remained for the final Stage 20 of ``Let’s be Fantasista!’’ — a 11-year-old Kato Yamato from Ehime Prefecture and a 12-year-old Suzuki Hibiki from Kanagawa Prefecture.
A total of 35 challengers had previously passed the stage 20 nationwide.

On the examination day, after warm-ups, the examination began for the two. They easily cleared the skill tests and successfully passed the tests.

Afterwards, the two exhibited their techniques of the stage 20 in front of other participants for the meet. Although they had to perform before a big crowd, they received cheers behind their backs. For every skills they completed, the audience gave them huge applauses.
Now having added the two, a total of 37 (including a pair of girls) in the entire nation have qualified through the Stage 20 examinations.
The examinations are held at examination groups around the country. The details are shown in our website.
https://www.jfa-challengegame.com/
The periodical exams are held on the fourth Saturdays every month at the JFA House near the Japan Football Museum.

Comments From Coach

Mr.SOMEYA Katsuhiro
We had heard that they practiced in a little time in the mornings and for about one hour after their classes, the two successfully passed the tests.
I can tell that they were nervous, but they easily exhibited their skills from inside and outside juggling to heading and shoulder heading, to chest traps for three laps. They had no problems clearing dribbling and turnings while they had the images of the actual game. They also cleared juggling using their hands as well.
I think that those who pass these tests keep practicing by touching the ball even a bit every single day. So I was reassured that it is important to keep doing it.

Comments From Participants

KATO Yamato
I practiced for about an hour every day after I was done with my home works after the classes. I felt that the shoulder test in Stage 15 was a little tough, but I practiced it hard. My goal is to become a professional football player for Cerezo Osaka. I think that if you keep practicing every day, you will be able to do difficult techniques, so please do you best.

SUZUKI Hibiki
I would practice for about 40 minutes before I would go to school every morning. The shoulder technique for Stage 15 was tough, but I worked on it hard. I am hoping to be a professional football player in the future.
If you practice every day, you will be able to do what you could not do previously, so don’t give up and do your best.