The training which started on Saturday 1 October had reached the final day on Tuesday 4. A total of forty-six players gathered from all over Japan and they were divided into three groups during the camp and worked out separately. On the last day, these three groups squared off in intrasquad scrimmages whereby each team played every other team twice. It was an excellent opportunity for each participant to display what they have accomplished in training.

Although the camp had a tough schedule, where every participant had to attend lectures and meetings, in addition to regular practice sessions on the pitch, every one of attendees completed the training. The next activity for U-15 women’s squad will be in December with fewer selected players.

Coach's and Players Comments

NISHIMURA Yosuke（JFA National Training Centre Coach/Medical Corporation Amemiya-Hospital）
On the first day of the training, our chief supervisor Obe told the participants, “this training camp is something we build together with all of the 46 players here. I expect each one of you to give all you’ve got. We will make this a special event together”. Bearing this message in mind, every participant took the initiative by thinking and acting based on their individual decisions. All of the them completed the program, and I consider this to be one of our achievements. One of the aim of our coaching staff was the development of the future ‘Nadeshiko (Japan Women’s National Team Player)’, bringing their level of football to international standards. Focusing on the four themes—defence, possession, battles in front of the goal, scoring from (or defending against) cross balls—we made detailed, specific instructions to the young players to give them better understanding of football and improve their skills to compete internationally. 

The intrasquad scrimmages on the last day provided the players to showcase their improved skills from their daily hard work during the camp. We were glad to observe the improvements there. However, in terms to ‘ball-handling techniques’, ‘effective involvement in offence and defence’ and ‘anticipation and decision-making speed’, they were yet below the ‘world standard’ and made errors as they were not accustomed to playing at those levels. I realised the importance of developing these skills as I consider these to be the strengths of Japanese players. We do need to work on those further.

The training included ‘off-the-pitch’ programs whereby the participants learned about physical conditioning. They were given the lectures on fitness and nutrition and were taught ‘how to develop their physicality’.

Nadeshiko coach Takakura and chief supervisor Obe gave them clear roadmap to become ‘world-class player’ and ‘Nadeshiko player’, and I believe they have a clear idea now as to: ‘what needs to be done’, ‘by when it should be done’, and ‘how much they need to work in order to get that level’.

TERADA Himeka (ASAHI SPORTS FC JUNIOR YOUTH)
I learned a lot of things in four-day training camp both on and off the pitch. I realised what I can and cannot do on the pitch, and now I have a better idea of what I should do when I go back to my club team. As both coaches, Takakura and Obe, told us in the lecture, the ‘Nadeshiko’ spot is one you have to go and get it. I am determined to attain it by working hard every day.

Off the pitch, I attended the lecture and realized that nutrition takes an important part in the development of an athlete. I felt the need to change my eating habits and make better food selection.

I think the positive takeaway from the game today was that I was able to rob the ball by focusing on ‘each player’s ability to use the open space’. On the other hand, I need to work on the quality of ‘kick and control’. By taking care of these issues, I will be able to play calmly. I want to practice and work hard to bring myself up to the ‘world-class level’.

This was a fruitful camp. I learned a lot of things, both on and off the pitch. I would like to thank the coaches and staff members for their support. Keeping this in mind, I would like to give my best effort to become a better football player.

MATSUMOTO Hono (Cerezo Osaka Sakai Girls)
I was able to appreciate and learn a lot of things in this camp. As this is a national-level training camp, I had a chance to feel the difference in speed and quality of play I’ve never experienced before at regional training centre. I really enjoyed playing together with my teammates, who I usually play against in the nation-wide competitions. I believe this training raised the quality of every one of us.

Off the pitch, I came to realise the importance of taking better meals and good sleep. I need to consider myself as a football player and spend my time more wisely.

In the intrasquad games today, we competed as an untied team, but unfortunately we could not win them. Still, we enjoyed playing and trying to score goals together. I will take this experience back to my club and tell my teammates about the things I learned in this camp. I would like to capitlise on this event and improve further.

HIRAI Amyu (INAC KOBE LEONCINA/JFA Academy SAKAI)
It was first time for me to participate in the program like this. I was nervous in the beginning but I was really excited about challenging new things in the camp. Since the top players from all over the country came to attend the training, and by playing football together I felt I could learn a lot also. I was determined to give my best even on the things I was not good at.

As a football player, I normally do not think much when I pass or trap the ball. However, thinking ahead of time and ‘playing with intent’ as coach advised me are important lessons I learned from this camp. Talking this advice, I was able to reflect on the things I needed to do on the pitch.

From the meetings off the pitch, I learned that I need to consider football as a part of daily life and not separately. It is therefore important for me to manage my day-to-day activities better to improve myself as a football player.

Looking back at today’s game, I guess we didn’t handle the ball carefully on most occasions after gaining possession of the ball. We talked to each other before third, fourth games about this problem and I believe we started to exchange pass effectively after that.

I enjoyed playing together with my teammates. We were able to help each other out, when things were not going right. I think I also demonstrated my skills developed in the camp in the practice games. I would like to take back what I have learned to my club and keep working on developing my skills. I will strive for becoming a member of ‘Nadeshiko’, whose goal is always to be the best team in the world.

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.