The 3rd All Japan Youth (U-18) Futsal Tournament will be held on Thursday 4 August.

In this article, SHIMIZU Kazuya (FUGADOR SUMIDA), who started his career in the F League in the third year of high school and has been selected for the Japan Futsal National Team and the U-18 national team, appeals to teenage futsal players.

In futsal, I learned a new joy in scoring goals.

- What made you start playing futsal?

SHIMIZU Kazuya: I used to play football. A brother of my two-year-older brother’s friend established a futsal team in the neighbourhood. So my brother and I went to play with the team. It was when I had almost finished elementary school.

- You played both football and futsal. Why did you decide to focus on futsal?

SHIMIZU: Of course, football is just as attractive. However, I can play longer with the ball in futsal. As the pitch is smaller, I can directly contribute to goals. Both the opponent and the goal are closer to me, and I have to judge in a blink, which I have really enjoyed.

I found it interesting to build up the game as a player at centre or behind up front in football. When I started to play futsal, I learned a new joy in scoring goals, and I was surprised: ‘I can fire this many shots!’

- You improved yourself to debut in the F League in the third year of high school.

SHIMIZU: I had been aiming to play in the F League. Having said that, when it really happened to me, it was surreal and I felt on the pitch: ‘why am I here?’ Although I concentrated during the match, I realised after the final whistle that I was in the ‘amazing stage.’ I used to buy a ticket to watch games in the league, but now people would pay to see the matches, in which I was playing. I just couldn’t believe it was real.

- How about performance in the league?

SHIMIZU: I was shocked by the speed of decision making from other players, which you had to be on the same pitch to understand. I also learned high-level and detailed skills – for example, passing the ball under your legs if you judge the opponent will stretch their leg. I was overwhelmed with other players’ ability to observe the opponent.

I believe some players in this championship will be chosen for the age-categorised national team.

- What’s your impression of the All Japan Youth (U-18) Futsal Tournament?

SHIMIZU: I checked the highlights of the championship on the JFA website last year. I think many players enjoy playing futsal through this kind of tournament, and some want to improve themselves as futsal players. The U-18 nationwide championship and the age-categorised national teams will raise the level of futsal, which is necessary for this sport to become mainstream.

I myself would like to take part in this championship, if possible! There are excellent players across the country and it’s the best opportunity to test your abilities.

- What’s vital when playing in a nationwide tournament?

SHIMIZU: There are many teams with different strengths – some have excellent individual skills, while others have star players, who lead the teams. In my opinion, it’s essential to have good organisational skills, just like Sakuyo High School from Okayama, who won the previous tournament. A team, whose players share the same direction, is strong.

- Would you send a shout-out for the participating players?

SHIMIZU: I believe some of the players in this championship will be chosen for the under-age category national team. I’d like the players to challenge eagerly to aim to become either football players or futsal players in the F League, starting in this championship. My former club team, FOOTBOZE FUTSAL U-18, will participate in this tournament. So I’ll follow the matches on JFA TV.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

The 3rd All Japan Youth (U-18) Futsal Tournament

Thu. 4 August - Sun. 7 August 2016
XEBIO ARENA SENDAI, Sendai City Gymnasium / Miyagi
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