Saturday 18 October, Fiora School based in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Prefecture held the JFA Nadeshiko Friends Square. Kids that participated in this event were happy to meet with other kids and they then started to play with the footballs before the event had started. At the event, older kids helped younger kids who were joining in for the first time, holding their hands. As the event’s sessions went on, kids enjoyed more and more. Some kids were very happy to show what they learned to their coaches and some kids were happy to teach how to play to the other children. It was lovely to see the young kids’ being happy to share the joy of scoring with high-fives after impressive challenges to steal ball from senior kids; it was one of the beautiful things of team play. This time the event has 30 minutes longer than the previous events, but many of kids still wanted to carry on playing saying “is that it?” All of the kids seemed to enjoy the event promising that they will join again in the near future.

Comment from event organiser

MAESHIMA Hironao, School master
It was the 9th JFA Nadeshiko Friends Square at our venue since we started in April. At first we were worried if we could get enough participants, but the number is increasing after adding the information on our website and some participants bringing their friends to the event. There are some kids who expect to play football with new friends so we want to keep working on creating a good environment for kids to share a good time by playing football together. Also we have other popular events such as Christmas party and BBQ. Our Christmas party is particularly popular and kids always have a great time. For this party, mothers support us by baking a Christmas cake. This year, we will have 10th anniversary of our Christmas party, so we want to have some surprise at the party.

Comments from participants

NAGAI Yuzu san
I’m happy to join Nadeshiko Friends Square because I can make friends even from different schools or different age groups. I also like it because this is girl’s only event and I have more chance to touch the ball compared to when I play with boys. I especially enjoyed exercising activities with other kids such as chasing each other and bar-jumping while holding another kid’s hand. I also enjoyed mini-games which now had longer time than before.

Mother of NAGAI Yuzu
I look forward to Nadeshiko Friends Square every time as much as my daughter does because she enjoys football very much through the various training sessions. I want the event to keep working for kids to enjoy football with smiles on their faces. Also, I expect that someone from this Nadeshiko Friends Square would be selected for Nadeshiko Japan as a national squad player in the future.

JFA Nadeshiko Friends Square

"JFA Nadeshiko Friends Square" is the "place" and "time" for women to start, enjoy, and continue football in their daily lives. We welcome both children and adults. Organisers for this event at your place are welcome, please check here for more information.

More information (Japanese version only)