The 31st All Japan High School Women's Football Championship is about to kick-off on Friday 30 December. Here we interviewed Head Coach IKEDA Futoshi of the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) and U-20 Japan Women's National Team about his thoughts on the competition and his expectations for the players taking part in it.

○This interview was conducted online on 2 November 2022

――Have you ever seen this competition?

IKEDA　Yes, I have observed the tournament from the time we launched the U-19 Japan Women's National Team in 2017. We continue to monitor the competition in order to see how things are developing because the level of high school players has been improving over the years.

――What do you look for in the players when watching a match?

IKEDA　It is how the players assess each situation and how they react to it. The ability to choose the best play for the given situation at hand is an essential skill for any age group. In terms of the technical aspect, we check to see if a player possesses the abilities required to carry out the play she chose.

――Are there any particular plays that stand out from a coach’s perspective?

IKEDA　Goal-oriented attitudes, daring long-range shots, and a willingness to take risks are more likely to make offensive players stand out. Other distinctive characteristics, such as endurance and athleticism for example, often catches our attention as well.

――What do you consider to be the required skill level for players in the high school age group?

IKEDA　 The ability to control the ball with both feet, to dribble, to win in one-on-one situations, or to defend as an individual. I want them to expand their range of skills, their range of play, and their individual capabilities. It is also important to be able to execute the skills precisely in accordance with the strategies and pace that the team has established. I believe that these aspects can be sought from the high school years.

――There are players on Nadeshiko Japan who played high school football, such as KUMAGAI Saki (FC Bayern Munich). What do these players have in common?

IKEDA　It's hard to say, but I think they are players who can work in different ways to help their team win. Working with their teammates to bring out the best in them is one of them. One thing these players have in common is that they spread good vibes.

――Strong high school teams frequently have a sizable roster. Do you believe that such a setting fosters leadership qualities?

IKEDA　There may be many areas where the players need to collaborate in order to strengthen the team, though I can only speculate because the number of players varies from school to school. Many teams have been working hard all year towards the All Japan High School Women's Football Championship. We hope to see more and more players use the championship as a steppingstone to make a big step forward.

――Lastly, please give a message to the players competing in this competition.

IKEDA　The third-year students in particular were the generation most affected by the pandemic, and I believe they had to endure a lot of hardship. Please try to play to the best of your ability to win, have no regrets, and enjoy the game with your fellow teammates. We look forward to the young energy exuded by all of you.

The 31st All Japan High School Women's Football Championship

Tournament Dates: Fri. 30 December 2022 - Sun. 8 January 2023
Venues: Miki Sogo Bosai Park, Goshikidai Sports Park, Ibuki Forest Football Ground, Noevir Stadium Kobe
*All in Hyogo Prefecture

Tournament Information