Friday 12 August will see the start of the 26th Vermont Cup All Japan U-12 Futsal Championship. In this article, SUZUKI Ryuji, the coach of the U-19 Japan Futsal National Team, who experienced coaching in Spain, encourages the participating players. 

――The Vermont Cup will be held soon.

Coach SUZUKI Ryuji (Hereafter, "Suzuki"): The U-12 generation is essential for children to establish a base for their football or futsal. Although I expect there are many participants in this cup, who usually play football, I’d like them to experience a lot through playing futsal. Nowadays, as it is said, “futsal is useful for improving football skills,” I hope the children will use this opportunity well to improve themselves for the future.

――Have you ever watched this Cup?

Suzuki: I’ve visited one when I temporarily came back from Spain. I believe I know the kind of teams that participate and their playing styles. There are many future talents in this championship.

I used to coach the U-12 Catalonia selection, and I found that children in Spain and in Japan were very similar. The only difference is that elementary school-age children in Spain understand deeply about competing in the league. Such a culture exists in Spain. As they progress through different age groups, they learn how to play under different coaches and against various opponents. So as a result, it’s easy for them to absorb many things. 

――How is futsal received by Spanish youth?

Suzuki: There are only a few club teams, which specifically focus on futsal. However, in the U-12 generation team that I coached, there were some children, who played futsal before starting football when they became 10 or 11 years old. Conversely, there are other children, who switched from football to futsal.  

Spanish culture may be an influence – they do not differentiate between football and futsal. Many parents let their children enjoy futsal while their bodies are small, and move onto football when they are ready. This is not necessarily directed by club teams, but football and futsal are always closely associated. It is easy to move from one to the other.

――Message for the participants and spectators of the coming Cup?

Suzuki: As it’s a nationwide championship, it’s a precious opportunity. So I hope they will play as freely as they wish. The futsal pitch is smaller than the one for football, and the players will have more opportunities to deal with the ball, requiring them to judge the situation more frequently. The game changes quickly, and both players and spectators can enjoy it a lot. Japanese football culture will develop even more through your support. Please come and join at the site.

Vermont Cup All Japan U-12 Futsal Championship

Fri. 12 August - Sun. 14 August 2016
Tokyo/Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium、Ota-City General Gymnasium
Match information