The U-18 Japan National Team, who aim to participate in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea 2017, started their training camp in Yokohama, Kanagawa.

The team divided into two groups - one group for recovery and the other for training - and held separate practice sessions. Under the mentorship of Ogai, the physical coach, the training group started with a warm-up, followed by some four-on-two training and some three-on-three training in front of the goal. Then they finished with some shooting practice.

After dinner, the players held a meeting to discuss their mental attitude, including how a professional football player or a player for the Japan National Team should be. They also had the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test, so that they could learn the balance and the condition of their own bodies.

The training camp will continue until Wednesday 15 April. On the last day of the camp, the team will play a training match against Nippon Sport Science University, whose team is lead by Suzuki Masakazu, the former head coach of the U-19 Japan National Team.

Players' Comments

HATSUSE Ryo (Gamba Osaka Youth)
I’m pleased that I was selected for the team for the first time. I wasn’t too nervous and I could communicate with many other players. We divided into a group for recovery and one for training. I was in the one for recovery, doing light exercises, such as 20-minute running and some stretching. I think we’ll start using the ball from tomorrow. I’d like to display my strength.

NAKAMURA Tasuku (Ventforet Kofu U-18)
I’m very nervous, because it’s my first opportunity to join the national team squad. We’re required to show a higher standard of play. I’d like to use this opportunity to learn my ability and how far I can push myself. Although the time is limited to three days, I’d like to show off my skills as much as I can so I will be selected for the national team.

SUGIMORI Koki (Nagoya Grampus U18)
I’m very pleased that I could join the training camp again. Day one of the three-day camp has passed. I’d like to practice hard not to waste a single moment. I’d like to get myself ready to put in a great performance, scoring a goal in the practice match the day after tomorrow.

IWASAKI Yuto, Kyoto Tachibana High School
The first day of the training camp is over. We divided into two groups, so that some could recover while the others practiced. I think we concentrated on each session well, and held high-quality training sessions. We had a lecture about fixed games in the evening meeting. I couldn’t get it straight away, possibly because I’m not a professional football player yet. Having said that, it was very good to learn. I’d like to practice hard again tomorrow, as we’ll have a match on the last day of the camp.

Schedule

Future Schedule