The U-19 Japan Women's national team left Japan on 30 May to start their training in Los Angeles, USA. At the ground the players did some light exercises, such as stretching and jogging. They did not see too tired despite the long flight.

On 31 May, the players started with some running. They were divided into four groups and ran a 300-metre lap of the ground in order to get in condition. In the morning, they focused on attacking training. They had a five-on-three practice with a limited area to score goals in order to learn how to bring the ball forward when they have a numerical advantage, bearing in mind the need to keep possession. Then the players had a 6-on-6 practice game to finish the morning session.

In the afternoon, they had a 9-on-9 mini game, using one-quarter of the pitch, and finished with an 11-a-side practice game.

Players' Comments

HAZA Hisui (Nippon Sport Science University)
The theme of this American tour is the attack. Although it's essential to offer early support or swift initiation to collaborate well, we couldn't do that well today. Judging the circumstances and the accuracy of passing are also our issue. I'd like to improve them as much as possible during this tour. Despite the fact we're focusing on attacking, the defence is also vital. I'd like to learn the strength and the positioning I need to compete with international players, so that we'll play well in the AFC U-19 Women's Championship.

SEIKE Kiko (Urawa Reds Ladies)
Despite being the second day of the tour, I'm not suffering from jet lag and I feel I'm in better condition than yesterday. We started with a little hard running exercise to get in shape, followed by some practice, focusing on attack. I'd like to get myself ready before the matches.

MORITA Yukari (Nippon Sport Science University)
I'd like to communicate with a lot of players off the pitch as well, so that I can get to know others and they can understand me during our limited one week stay. As we haven't got much time before the AFC U-19 Women's Championship, I'd like to focus on preparing our attacking style. We'll have a good opportunity to play against America, Brazil and Mexico. I'd like to challenge in every area, so that I won't regret anything later.

SUMIDA Rin (Nippon TV Beleza)
Today we had a tough practice session to wake us up in the morning. We are practicing how to face forward after stealing the ball and how to receive the ball, focusing on attack. I learned that it's vital to decide what to do depending on the opponent's positioning and our circumstances - whether to receive the ball with foot or to get through into the space behind the opponent. In the evening meeting, we heard that the temperature could be nearly 40 degrees C in Nanjing, where the AFC U-19 Women's Championship will be held in August. I think I have to eat more to build up a stronger body, so that I can compete with bigger opponents in the heat.

Schedule

The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.。

2015 U-20 Women's NTC Invitational
Four coutries of U.S.A., Mexico, Brazil and Japan will play a round-robin.

Future Schedule

 The schedule is subject to change.