Ahead of the JFA Vermont Cup 28th U-12 Japan Futsal Championship, which opens on Friday 17 August, we have conducted an interview with HARAGUCHI Genki (Hannover 96/Germany), who has excelled at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia as a member of the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team). We asked for his memories of the Vermont Cup in which he participated in, and a message to the participating players of this year’s Vermont Cup.

――It is said that futsal can develop the individual skills.

HARAGUCHI: Playing futsal requires very precise skills, and you are given more opportunities to touch the ball, so I really like futsal. I still enjoy playing futsal during the off-season, and because I get to touch the ball more often than football, it’s very fun. (while laughing) I’ve always loved playing futsal.

――How often did Kounan Minami conduct futsal trainings?

HARAGUCHI: Just before the tournaments. The qualifiers would take place in the weekend, so we will conduct futsal trainings during the week at the gym. Of course, we were a football club, so we would only play futsal prior to the tournaments. However, it was more like playing football in a small court, rather than playing futsal. When I returned to Japan, I heard that Kounan Minami was playing futsal during my stay, so I paid a visit to watch them and they were playing much better futsal. I believe that more kids will continue to play football, but playing futsal has its upsides and as a player who has played both, I believe you can get so much better by playing futsal.

――Can you share us your memories from the tournament?

HARAGUCHI: I only remember playing in the final. Especially because we have lost to Verdy Junior at the Japan U-12 Football Championship during the summer. So, we were seeking for revenge at the Vermont Cup. That’s why I still remember the match against them.

――You have scored many goals and also recorded many assists.

HARAGUCHI: Yes, I remember that. Back then, the top scorer was not awarded, but I scored six goals in the final, and recorded a total of 14 goals through the tournament, so I must have been the top scorer of the tournament. (while laughing) We had two players playing in the back, while another player and I stayed upfront. Once we got the ball, they would just send the ball upfront and we would score goals with just the two of us. I still remember that I enjoyed it so much because I got to score more goals than I did in football.

――Any message to the participating players?

HARAGUCHI: I played in the 13th Vermont Cup and became a professional football player. I was fortunate enough to become a member of the Japan National Team and played in the World Cup. For everyone who is participating in this tournament, I believe that the sky is the limit, and you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it.

JFA Vermont Cup 28th U-12 Japan Futsal Championship

Tournament dates: Fri. 17 - Sun. 19 August 2018
Tournament venue: Komazawa Gymnasium and Indoor Ball Sports Field at Komazawa Olympic Park Sports Ground, Tokyo
Tournament Information