The JFA Academy Fukushima’s 9th-term players took on roles as ball persons and flag bearers at the Kirin Challenge Cup 2014 between Japan National Team and Cyprus National Team held on 27 May at the Saitama Stadium 2002.

As ball persons, they stayed focused throughout the 90-minute match to maintain smooth flow of the match by providing balls to players at the right timing. The young academy players had a meaningful day not only by studying the plays of the national team players but also by learning that many staff were working in their jobs to make the match possible.

Comments

ISIDA Chihiro, 9th-term player
We were given an opportunity to work as a ball person and flag bearer and also do the work of moving equipment and other stuff, and we learned a lot. We realised that there were many people, not only supporters but also many game staff, for this match. I think players want to work harder when they find out that so many people help this one match. After experiencing such a wonderful opportunity like this, now I feel I should never forget to be thankful for all the supports I get from people around me.

KADOWAKI Mai, 9th-term player
Today, I worked as a ball person for this national team match. I got on the pitch to make sure where a ball person should be. On the pitch there were so many people working for the match operation even before the match. There were so many people working outside of the stadium, too, so I was very surprised that there were really a large number of people working to make this match possible. I was standing on the same pitch as our national team players that I always watch on TV, and I could see how it feels like to be surrounded by so many supporters. I thought I really wanted to be on the national team in the future and play with all the cheers from supporters.

*For more information on the JFA Academy, go to the JFA Academy Fukushima website