The JFA 26th U-15 Japan Women's Football Championship will take place from Saturday 11 to Monday 27 December.

32 teams selected from nine regions will compete in the tournament, with the final to be held at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka on Monday 27 December.

Last year, JFA Academy Fukushima (Tokai3/Shizuoka) won their third title. This year, a total of nine teams from the Kanto region will challenge to claim the title, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies Junior Youth (Kanto3/Saitama), who has won the tournament more than any other team, and Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Menina team, who came in first in the Kanto preliminary round. In addition, junior high school teams, such as Tokoha University Tachibana Junior High School (Tokai2/Shizuoka) and Kochi Junior High School (Shikoku2/Kochi), are also in the mix, setting up an intense field to determine the national champions of the U-15 category.

Interview

Here we will introduce the interview conducted with ENDO Jun (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza), who finished as the runners-up in the 18th and 20th tournament as a member of JFA Academy Fukushima, in which she shared her memories of the tournament and her time in junior high school.

○This interview was conducted online on 2 December 2021

――Do you remember about this tournament?

ENDO　I remember some of it. To be honest, I don't remember much from the first year of junior high school. When I first joined Academy Fukushima, there was a period when I couldn't play due to Osgood-Schlatter disease, so I'm not sure if I even played during that period.

――You were the runners-up in both the 18th and 20th tournament. What was your sentiment when you entered the tournament in your third year?

ENDO　I remember the tournament in my third year of junior high school. I was the captain, so I wanted to lead the younger players and the team. We lost in the final, which was a disappointing result, but even so, everyone from the first year to the third year got along well, and I think that unity helped us reach the final.

――There were matches against teams that you don't usually play against, such as junior high school teams.

ENDO　Through the tournament, we were able to play against many different teams and watch their matches. Academy Fukushima belongs to the Tokai region, which is a very strong region, but I felt that the level of competition at the national tournament was even higher. However, especially in the third year, we were confident in our football skills and were able to showcase our usual performance.

――You faced Cerezo Osaka Sakai Girls at the final.

ENDO　I had the impression that Osaka Sakai was a team with a lot of momentum and good vibes, but I was still confident that we would win, so I was very disappointed when we lost. We were unable to convert our chances in the first half, and played with persistency throughout the match, but the fact that we lost the match proves that we did not have what it takes to win the title.

――What was the mood of the team after losing a tournament

ENDO　We were gutted, but since the tournament was held in July back then, it gave us a chance to gear up for the league matches and Nadeshiko Challenge League that would follow. As a result, we were able to win the Tokai preliminary round of the Empress's Cup. I think the bitter experience we gained at the tournament gave us extra motivation.

――When you entered junior high school, you moved from Fukushima to Shizuoka to join JFA Academy Fukushima. What was it like?

ENDO　I lived in a dormitory, where our daily schedules were managed, and I was immersed in playing football every day. At first, I felt homesick because I had left my parents shortly after graduating from primary school. I also had to do my own laundry and other chores that my parents used to do for me, which was very difficult, but also gave me the opportunity to really thank my parents. We supported each other to get by our daily lives and I have so many fond memories from the six years a spent at the academy.

――Which part of your game has improved the most in junior high school?

ENDO　When I was in primary school, I played mostly on my own and tried to carry the team. However, as they get older, you need to understand how to work with your teammates and how to play tactically. I learned a lot about my role in the team by analysing with the team staff.

――What are some of the things that you still use in your game?

ENDO　I am confident with my left foot, and that was one of the things I worked with my coach at the time, as I learned how to improve my form and kick the ball further, which has led to my current ability to use my left foot.

――Can you give a message for the players competing in this tournament?

ENDO　I want them to enjoy the moment. Winning is important, but when I played in my third year of junior high school, our team entered the tournament with the intention to enjoy the experience and to showcase a performance that can give joy to the people watching us. That approach allowed us to earn good results and we were told by many people that they enjoyed watching us. So, in that sense, I think we were able to achieve our goal. You are eliminated once you lose in a knockout tournament, so I want you to fight as a team and never give up until the end, even when you are facing an adversity. I want each and every one of you to have fun so that you can finish with a smile on your face.

JFA 26th U-15 Japan Women's Football Championship

Tournament date: Sat. 11 – Mon. 27 December 2021

Tournament Information