On 22 to 27 September, “FIFA Grassroots course & Festival in JAPAN” was held in Notojima, Nanao city in Ishikawa prefecture. This was the 6th time to hold this event since they started it in 2010, and FIFA and JFA collaborated together to provide a unique learning opportunity for kids’ instructors through this course.

This time, ONO Takeshi and a German instructor, Horst KRIETE from FIFA were invited and gave lectures and practical session to JFA Kids’ Instructors. On the 26th, 31 trainees who joined from all over Japan for this course organised the Festival and Tournament matches.

Each of the trainees made use of what they had learned during the course in the training given to 140 children who joined in the event in Notojima and the event went well with children learning a lot while enjoying themselves. The trainees finished all of the course work and went back to their local activities with what instructors stressed during the training; “Grassroots is the treasure of the country.”

FIFA Instructors' Comment

Horst KRIETE, FIFA Instructor
This FIFA Grassroots Course was organised very well by passionate JFA staff.
Since all the necessary preparations had been done without delay, I could concentrate on the course very well. The trainees came from many places in Japan but they built up a very constructive “team” with good sense of devotion to learn.

During the group work time, each of them was happy to bring their own ideas and experiences to share with the others - that showed the idea that “football is the team sport”, and everybody was engaged in the FIFA’s mission which is “Develop the game.” All of them were JFA’s instructor license holders, but they still had high motivation to get more information about how to organise football festivals and small-sided games, and to learn adequate teaching approaches for children.

This course’s philosophy is “All for kids”, hence it was such a joy to see children’s playing football throughout the event: in any course work, festival or in the tournament matches. This is very clear to say that these football coaches/educators with passion and children with high motivation will make a strong and wonderful base to lead Japan’s football for the future.

JFA Instructors' Comment

MINAGAWA Shinichi, JFA Instructor
A total of 31 trainees came to Wakura in Ishikawa from the 22nd to prepare for the Festival with the FIFA Instructors on 26th. They were either National Training Centre Coaches, Technical Committee Directors, or leaders particularly for kids.

We had many lectures and group sessions such as “What is Grassroots Festival?” and “Fun & Quality”, and we also had practical sessions on the pitch along with reflection time. On 26th, we had about 140 children aged from 6-10 and both the trainees and children had a very joyful and energetic day by enjoying football together. I appreciate Ishikawa Football Association for supporting the event from the preparation period to the end of the course. Thank you very much.

Trainees' Comments

TAMURA Shiro
All trainees had good relationship day by day and learn very seriously for the day of the festival. I felt that we could improve ourselves throughout the process. I felt a very strong passion from Mr. Horst the FIFA Instructor. It was good to know about FIFA’s coaching approach and philosophy during this opportunity. I also could review the idea and approaches for Grassroots football and as a whole it was a very productive time. I have never had such training which moved my heart before. In working for children and other people, what I learned again during this time was having communication amongst instructors first is important.

YAMAMIYA Toshihiro
We had many course mates from all over Japan and we could share a lot of things while working on one single project. I have got many lessons and joy from this occasion. In each practical session, I could get dimensional advice and it helped me to improve my coaching skill. Mr. Horst, the instructor, told us precious things from his rich experiences in different countries. I would like to share what I have experienced to my local area. I want to hold Japan’s best Grassroots Festival in Oita.