With the support of the Kids' Committees of each prefectural football association (FA), JFA has been organising “Traveling guidance" courses around the country. In the "travelling guidance" course, travelling guidance staffs from each prefectural FA go to kindergartens, nursery schools, and primary schools to offer a variety of programmes for children to enjoy football. This is an initiative to give nursery staff and teachers, who may not have much experience or knowledge of football, the opportunity to join a team of experienced football coaches and give the children time to exercise with the ball. Here we will introduce the traveling guidance activities that were recently conducted.

Wed. 14 September Shirayuri Nursery (Kofu, Yamanashi)

A total of 19 children from the five-year-old and four-year-old classes took part in the football class. The weather was good, and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the football class. Having fun, to take on challenges without giving up, to be serious, and to keep trying no matter how many times you fail! These are the slogans that we use in our activities to make football and physical activity fun and exciting for the children. It is always very satisfying to see the children smile and report to us, “I did it!” and “It’s hard but I want to be able to do it!” We will continue to work to deliver joy and excitement to the children.

Coaches and Teachers' Comments

MOCHIZUKI Shota (Yamanashi FA Traveling Guidance Staff)
It was my pleasure to play football with these children. It was great to see them give their best efforts and play without giving up. In the last game, I was impressed by how everyone was happy when they scored a goal and how they cheered for their friends when they were waiting to play. I look forward to playing football with them again.

ITO Shinji (Yamanashi FA Traveling Guidance Staff)
The children were really looking forward to this football class and were full of energy. It was great to see their competitiveness in the last game we played. I am glad that we were able to convey the joy of playing football.

Ms. KOSHIISHI Mai, Teacher (Shirayuri Nursery)
The coaches taught the children how to use their bodies and how to play with the ball, and I was pleased to see that even those who are not usually good at physical activities enjoyed participating in this class. Usually when we play football it is only games, but I will try to incorporate the drills and other activities they taught us. Thank you for the fun experience.

Ms. SHIMIZU Kumi, Teacher (Shirayuri Nursery)
Although the children liked to play with a ball on a regular basis, it was good to see them learn how to use their bodies and to know what they are not good at. The children were more focused than I thought they would be, and I would like to incorporate the things we learned today into our daily activities. Thank you very much.