With the support of the Kids' Committees of each prefectural football association (FA), JFA has been organising “Traveling guidance” courses around the country. In the "travelling guidance" course, travelling guidance staffs from each prefectural FA go to kindergartens, nursery schools, and primary schools to offer a variety of programmes for children to enjoy football. This is an initiative to give nursery staff and teachers, who may not have much experience or knowledge of football, the opportunity to join a team of experienced football coaches and give the children time to exercise with the ball. Here we will introduce the traveling guidance activities that were recently conducted.

Thu. 3 February, Mikasa Nursery School (Chuo, Yamanashi)

On the day, 43 children from the five-year-old class were divided into two groups. We started the class by telling the children to actively challenge themselves, think about how they can improve, and work on variety of menus. Many of them struggled to control the ball at first, but once we taught them the key factors, they listened carefully, thought on their own, and tired many times to get better. Even when they couldn’t get the drills right, they continued to make efforts over and over again. Above all, we were able to spend a very fun time together, and it was great to hear the children say that they wanted to play more.

Coaches and Teacher's Comments

YONEKURA Kazuho (FA Traveling Guidance Staff)
The children were very good at listening to the coaches, so it was very easy for us to explain the movements and rules. It also allowed us to conduct more difficult drills together. It was exciting seeing the children cheering each other when they scored goals during the shooting drill. In the final game, the children showcased a heated battle, rejoiced with their teammates when their shots went in, and enjoyed playing football together.

ISHIKAWA Ryu (FA Traveling Guidance Staff)
We were blessed with beautiful weather and a wonderful turf field. We were able to tell that the children were excited even before the session started. Everyone listened closely to what the coaches had to say, understood the rules, and actively challenged each drill. Through this traveling guidance activity, I hope to spread the joy of football to as many children as possible.

Ms. SANO Yui, Teacher (Mikasa Nursery School)
I was impressed with the way the children were having fun throughout the session. The session ran very smoothly with three coaches looking after the children. Everyone seemed to have a great time, as they chanted "I want to play more!” and “I love playing football!” after the session.

Ms. NAGATA Mayu, Teacher (Mikasa Nursery School)
Even the children who have never played football before were having fun today. The children were immediately drawn to the coaches who were so cheerful and fun. Thank you very much for the wonderful time.