On Tuesday 19 July saw the second day of the training camp, and the U-19 Japan National Team short-listed squad held practice sessions in the morning and afternoon. In the morning, the players passed the ball around in 3-on-2 formations after warming up; they checked ball control, the speed of passes, and calling to receive the ball.

Then the team played an 11-a-side game on a full pitch. The coach UCHIYAMA stopped the game now and then to share his views on the positioning in defence or the timing of tackling with the team.

In the afternoon, the team went through from initiating attacks, the build-up, through to taking shots. The players also checked their positioning for set pieces. At the end, they were divided into their positions to finish the training session. There was an uplifting atmosphere throughout the two practice sessions just as there had been the day before, and it was a testament to the players’ motivation in playing for their country.

After the morning practice session, the team paid a visit to Okawa elementary school in Ishinomaki, which has been closed due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. 74 pupils were killed in the disaster. The damaged school buildings have been preserved to serve as a reminder of the earthquake. There was a memorial stone with the names of the victims from Okawa division, including school staff and pupils, in what used to be the school grounds.

Mr. SATO Toshiro, who lost his child at Okawa elementary school, gave a speech, and showed photos of the school before the disaster and explained about the earthquake. Through this visit, each staff member and player learned how horrifying a tsunami could be, and had an opportunity to think about how to reduce damage from natural disasters.

The team will play a practice game against Sony Sendai on 20 July, the last day of the training camp.

Comments

SATO Toshiro (Smart Survivor Project Japan)
My late daughter, who was a victim of the tsunami, would have been really pleased to have the U-19 Japan National Team at Okawa elementary school. What the players and the staff might feel through hearing stories of the disaster and the tsunami is up to each individual, and there are many ways to think about it. I hope it was a good trigger for them to live for the future. In keeping with the school song of Okawa elementary school, entitled ‘unfolding the future’, I wish the players’ futures will unfold in a positive direction, and that they will perform well in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Thank you so much.

DF  NAKAYAMA Yuta (Kashiwa Reysol)
We paid a visit to Okawa elementary school after the morning practice session. I could imagine vividly what happened back then by listening to local people, which made me think about many things. I also learned that there is more we can do to help. Children, who were younger than us, were victims of the disaster. I have to face my own future more seriously, not just my football life. I’d like to improve myself not only in football, but also as a human being, and seize every single day.

MF  WATANABE Kouta (Tokyo Verdy Youth)
We paid a visit to the disaster-affected area in the morning. We listened to the victims and visited an elementary school. The story and the scenery were beyond my imagination, which really made me think. In the afternoon, we held a training session in preparation for tomorrow’s game. I’d like to display what we practiced today to perform well in tomorrow’s match.

MF  SASAKI Takumi (Vegalta Sendai)
We went through the team’s tactics in the morning and afternoon practice sessions. As a small change in positioning can impact the game, I’d like to think about that. After the morning session, we visited Okawa elementary school in the disaster-affected area. A father, who lost his child in the disaster five years ago, shared his experience, which broke my heart. As a player from Miyagi, I have to live for them and become their hope. I’ll practice hard, thinking about that.

GK  OSAKO Keisuke (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Youth)
I was determined to work on my problem areas while displaying my strengths during this camp. However, I was quite passive in taking on my tasks. I did show off my strengths to a certain extent. I think it’s essential to learn as much as possible within the limited time to improve myself.

We had an opportunity to listen to a victim of the Great East Japan Earthquake this morning. I’m grateful for where I am and that I can play football. We must play our hardest, thinking of the disaster victims. I’ll work on my tasks and practice on what I have learned during this camp for the people in Miyagi, not to mention for myself, in the remaining one day in this camp.

Schedule

*Soccer exchange meeting will be held with junior highschool student in Ishinomaki City
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.