The JFA Elite Programme U-14’s trip to Korea Republic started on Wednesday 26 October. This tour is a part of the JOC Japan-Korea Joint Sports Project for Enhancing Playing Skills and joint training camps among Japan and Korea Republic youth players have been held since 2010. Twenty participating players, who were selected from regions across the country for the Elite Programme U-14, will take part in the tour and will play two practice games against U-14 Korean Republic. They will also attend five practice sessions and meetings as well as some activities off the pitch.

The party left for the Paju National Football Center in Korea Republic on the first day, followed by training sessions in the morning and the afternoon on the second day. They held a meeting in the evening, preparing for the match against Korea Republic the following day.

The JFA Elite Programme aims to provide a better environment and excellent coaching for talented players, coordinating with U-13/U-14 national training centre activities, so that the players can improve themselves by focusing on nurturing ‘competitive individuals’ and becoming ‘independent’.

Players' Comments

FP #18 SUZUKI Kaito (Jubilo Iwata U-15)
We lost to Korea Republic 5-0 in the AFC Festival in September, and experienced a big gap in playing level. I felt really frustrated. Every little problem led us to concede five goals.

However, we improved through training back in Japan and by changing our everyday lives. We have been practicing hard, thinking of the fast pressure and physical strength, which we experienced in the match against Korea Republic. So I look forward to seeing how well we can perform against them this time. I’m determined to win this time by displaying the responsibility I feel representing Japan.

FP #16 HANDA Riku (Montedio Yamagata Junior Youth Murayama)
It is my first time to join the Elite Programme. I’d like to show off my strength in the game against Korea Republic – staying competitive one-on-one in defence. As I expect that Korean players are faster and physically stronger than the Japanese, I’d like to position more securely than usual not to let them easily steal the ball.

In terms of attack, I want to keep passing the ball around, while looking for passing courses or deciding the next movement. I’m determined to keep a clean sheet, as we cannot be beaten if we don’t concede a goal.

GK #1 SASAKI Masato (Kashiwa Reysol U-15)
I was on the pitch as a goalkeeper in the game against Korea Republic in September. In the first half, we conceded three goals from Korean corner kicks. I’ve been practicing back in Japan, focusing on reacting to corner kicks and crosses.

I practiced hard, so that I can understand of how kickers and field players operate well enough to steal the ball. I have also been focusing on my positioning when the opponent takes a shot. In tomorrow’s match, we’d like to take the initiative even from the opponent’s corner kick.

FP #3 SHIMOKAWA Taiyo (Cerezo Osaka U-15)
I felt the Korean players’ stronger desire for a win than mine by playing a one-on-one or competing for a header in the match against Korean Republic in the AFC Festival. I have been practicing back in Japan in order to stay mentally competitive as well for another opportunity to play against them. Since I was chosen for the Elite Programme, I’d like to win with an overwhelming performance.

Schedule

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