U-19 Japan National Team short-listed squad, who aim to book a place at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic, started a training camp in Tokyo. In the morning, the coach UCHIYAMA held a meeting to explain to a team with many newcomers the concept of the U-19 Japan National Team in a video. After the meeting, the players had a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test, which they did in last year’s activity, so that they could understand their physical status and muscle balance.

The team moved to the pitch in the afternoon. The players, who had played a game prior to coming, did some running to recover, while the others passed the ball in 3-on-2, played a five-a-side mini game, and practiced shooting. The team will hold one practice session each in the morning and in the afternoon on Tuesday 8 March, followed by a training game against the All-Japan University Selection on Wednesday 9 March.

Players' Comments

HASHIOKA Daiki (Urawa Reds Youth)
I was too nervous to display many of my strengths today, as it was my first practice session with the national team, which is categorised for players two-years older than me. However, it was a great opportunity to learn from everyone else. I don’t want it to be just an experience. So I’ll try hard, so that I can achieve something and get a positive result. I’ll play well in tomorrow’s session, showcasing what I can do.

HIROSUE Riku (Aomori Yamada High School)
I’m over the moon to be here for the national team. As there are many players, whom I haven’t met before, I’d like to communicate with them as much as possible to share the team’s concept and my thoughts. We had a FMS test today, and will have a physical check-up tomorrow. So it’s an excellent opportunity to understand my condition and physical status. I’d like to bring the knowledge back to my club team’s training. I’ll play hard, so that we can gain a good result in the practice match to finish our training camp.

MORI Kota (Ventforet Kofu)
I am grateful to many people that I could join the national team’s training camp for the first time after a while. Although it’s only a limited four days, I’d like to showcase my strengths while playing aggressively. I’ll stay keen on earning a victory against the All-Japan University Selection, showing what the team’s trying to achieve. I’ll try hard, so that I can bring what I learn or experience here back to my team to improve myself. I’d like to show how much I improve for people in Kofu.

WADA Masashi (Yokohama F・Marinos)
I’m glad to join the national team’s camp for the first time after a while. As we’ve got only a limited time, I’d like to play keenly to share my playing style, while communicating a lot with others off the pitch. I want to understand the team’s concept as soon as possible, and showcase my strength to fit in. I’ll play aggressively to get a positive result in the game against the All-Japan University Selection on the last day of this trip. 

Schedule

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