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. 1 December, Nango Nursery School (Minami-Alps, Yamanashi)

A football class was held with 17 children who were very energetic. Under very pleasant weather, the class began with a cheerful greeting. The children were taught how to play football through a variety of exercises, which were conducted in an enjoyable manner, even for children who had never played football before or were not good at physical activities. The children listened carefully to the coaches and had fun as they worked through the activities. We will continue to work to promote the enjoyment of football.

Coach's Comment

YAMAKAWA Satoshi (FA Traveling Guidance Staff)
When we arrived at the nursery school, the children came to the entrance and greeted us very cheerfully. We were able to tell that the children were very excited about this football class. I was very pleased to see the children learning the rules of football while engaging in a variety of movements, and to see how much fun they were having playing football. We will cherish all the exciting moments we shared together. Let’s play football together again!

TAKEI Honami (FA Traveling Guidance Staff)
The children seemed nervous at first, but as they went through the activities, they showed great concentration and seemed to enjoy chasing the ball. In the final game, some of the children joyfully celebrated their goals, while some cried because they were disappointed to lose. We had a lot of fun with the children.

OHARA Ai (FA Traveling Guidance Staff)
As the menu progressed, the more the children devoted themselves to listening and talking to the coaches, and I myself was encouraged by their honest and energetic demeanour. It was a very rewarding experience for me, as the children showed great enthusiasm when I was able to explain things clearly to them or when I praised them.

Teacher's Comment

The children seemed to enjoy it a lot, which was the most important thing. From start to finish, it was a great experience for them.