21 February, Toshima-ku Football Associasion held the JFA Nadeshiko Friends Square in Toshima-ku, Tokyo. It was a warm day with strong sunshine. 11 kids joined in this event which started by the kids introducing themselves to each other. Under the event theme that was “Enjoy football with your friends”, they remember each other’s names and faces well and enjoyed some icebreaking sessions such as a game of tag and a dribbling competition.

This Nadeshiko Friendship Square was not particularly for training, but a 2 on 2 mini game training session was added to improved the issues, such as defense, positioning off the ball, and better positioning to get the ball, that were found in the 5 on 5 games held before. In the final 7 on 7 game which trainers also joined, kids played well using what they had learned in those previous sessions.

Participants’ age varied from 9 to 13, but trainers considered well for all of the kids to get the ball to get involved in the game. Until the end of the game, everybody enjoyed playing football as the event theme suggested.

Comment From Organiser

IWATO Suguru, Vice Chairman and Chairman of Junior Committee of Toshima-ku Football Associasion
Toshima-ku Football Association works for various activities not only for junior but also for senior people to promote football in Toshima-ku. It was in 2012 when we added promoting women’s football by disseminating it especially to local girls to our mission. Nadeshiko Japan’s victories pushed us to produce more young girls and ladies who love football. We want to contribute to promoting women’s football even though there are a lot of challenges to hold women’s football event including Nadeshiko Friends Square since we can use the football ground only on Saturdays and local schools have usual lessons on Saturdays.

Comment From Participants

NOGUCHI Shiina, Participant
It’s a fun because I can move a lot today. We girls can play football with so much fun so I want to learn more.

NOGUCHI Motohiro, father of a participant
My daughter always looks forward to this event. She doesn’t join in any football teams since there isn’t any girl’s football team and she hesitates to play with boys. She loves Nadeshiko Friendship Square because she can enjoy football only with girls. I appreciate the trainers for preparing well for all participants to fit in all sessions beyond level difference in this event.

Also, I appreciate this opportunity very much because she can make friends from other schools. I want Nadeshiko Friendship Square to be more popular amongst local girls. It is a good chance for them to enjoy football full of smiles.

JFA Nadeshiko Hiroba

"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.

More information(Japanese version only)