The Prince Takamado Trophy Football League 2014 Premier League opened its season on Sunday, the 6th April. JFA Academy Fukushima, who finished third in their debut year in the Premier League last season, took on Funabashi Municipal High School in Week 1 and ended in a 1-1 draw as Fukushima gave up an equalizer in the injury time.

Week 1 result
Funabashi Municipal High School def. JFA Academy Fukushima 1-1 (0-0 in the first half, 1-1 in the  second half)

Players comments

HORI Daiki

The Prince Tamamado Trophy Under-18 football league 2014 Premier League kicked off on the 6th April, which means the start of our new season. We played against Funabashi Municipal High School. Since our regular members of last year had graduated, the majority of us were strangers to the Premier League. I believe that every one of us had some nervousness, but we talked to each other well and were able to get in the game having smiles our faces.

As for the result of it, we struck first but were tied in the injury time and ended with a 1-1 draw. We were almost taking the game but gave up the goal in the last minute. That made us feel like we still need to tighten ourselves and understand how tough it is to play in the Premier League. I would like to play one game at a time, trying to grow both as a team and an individual, in the upcoming league matches.

We will fight as a whole team to get three points in our next game against Shimizu S-Pulse at home.

NOBE Yuta
I was in a position to cheer for out team from the stands last year, but was registered as a member and could play in the game as well this year. I was able to get in the game with a moderate tension and enjoy our opening game in the Premier League. We ended up in the draw, but hopefully I will do my best to increase my play time and contribute to the team.

YOSHIDA Naoya
It was my first game to play the entire 90 minutes in the Premier League, and it was a totally different atmosphere from other games. But once the game began, my nerves got away and al of us were having fun playing the game. We all were speaking out loud while playing so seriously, and we were able to play in such a great atmosphere. Hopefully, we will do our best to get three points in our next game against S-Pulse at home.