On Monday 12 March, the JENESYS 2017 Japan-ASEAN Youth Football Exchange Tournament came to an end. The fifth and final day featured play-offs to cap off the tournament that started on Thursday 8 March. The play-offs showcased heated battles, but fortunately, the completion of the tournament came with no major injuries.

In the tournament final, Indonesia and Vietnam squared off. The Indonesian team who had displayed an outstanding performance throughout the tournament converted a penalty kick in the second half to claim the title in an equally matched game. Japan ended third place in this tournament.

Players clashed hard against each other on the pitch, but during the exchange-meeting held the night before, friendly gestures were seen throughout the gathering. The event seems to have fulfilled its function, as many participants has mentioned that they have learned so much and made many friends through the tournament and programme.

After the tournament, players made their ways to Tokyo to prepare for their courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, which was scheduled the following day. They were also scheduled to visit the Japan Football Museum, and the AFC Champions League match between Kashima Antlers and Sydney FC.

Players’ Comments

SUPHANAT MUEANTA (U-16 Thailand National Team)
I was very moved by all the arrangements made by the Japan Football Association’s (JFA), the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and the people of Miyazaki prefecture. The tournament was a great preparation ahead of the final round of the AFC U-16 Championship 2018. Through JENESYS, I was able to make many friends from different countries and I will never forget this experience.

SONGKAN SICHANTHAVONG (U-16 Laos National Team)
Reflecting on our match against Malaysia, I am very proud of my teammates. Although we lost the match, I will feed off of this experience and improve my skills. We would like to become a stronger team.

DAVID MAULANA (U-16 Indonesia National Team)
I am very proud of my team for winning the tournament. We learned and gained so much through this tournament. I will keep working hard to become a better player.

Team Officials' Comments

KARAN MIRCHANDANI, Team Leader (U-16 Thailand National Team)
We played a very good match against the U-15 Japan National Team. This tournament served as a great preparation for the AFC U-16 Championship 2018. We would like to thank the JFA and people of Miyazaki prefecture for becoming the host of this tournament and providing our team with great memories.

KHOUN SOMPHORSPAGNA, Team Leader (U-16 Cambodia National Team)
Thank you very much for inviting us to such a great event. We gained so many experience through the matches, and were given an opportunity to learn about the Japanese culture as well. I am very glad that we were able to meet here in Japan. Thank you.

About the “JENESYS2017” Programme

The JENESYS Programme (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) is a project advanced by the Japanese government from the standpoint of providing a sound foundation for strong solidarity within Asian and Oceanian countries through large-scale youth exchange. Aimed to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations, JICE is in charge of conducting the programme by accepting, dispatching, and exchanging leaders of the next generation.

For more information, please visitthe official websiteof the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.