JFA KIRIN Ladies'/Girls' Soccer Festival is a football event for every woman. They experience mini games (with a limited number of players) and training booths for practicing shooting, passing and dribbling. This programme is intended for all ages from children to adults and for both beginners and experienced players so that everyone can enjoy themselves and get to know each other to improve their football skills.
590 participants, including 235 beginners, met at the Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in Kobe Sports Park in Hyogo for either the morning session, the afternoon session or the evening session on Sunday 21 September. Shikata Nao, the former Nadeshiko Japan player, participated in the sessions as a special guest. At the closing ceremony, some awards were presented by Shikata and the coaches - the ‘Ladies’ Award’ was given to an adult, who tried her hardest; the ‘Girls’ Award’ was given to a child, who did her best; and the ‘Festival Award’ to those, who enjoyed the day most. From the special sponsor Kirin Groups, the ‘Kirin Award’ was given to everyone who participated.

Festival Summary

JFA KIRIN Ladies'/Girls' Soccer Festival in Hyogo
Location: Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in Kobe Sports Park in Hyogo
Date: Sunday, 21 September 2014
Morning session: registration 9:00-9:30, opening ceremony 9:30, festival 10:00-11:30
Afternoon session: registration 12:00-12:30, opening ceremony 12:30, festival 13:00-14:30
Evening session: registration 15:00-15:30, opening ceremony 15:30, festival 16:00-17:30
Fee: free
Qualification: girls and ladies
Application: via online form on the JFA official website
Application Period: Friday, 1 August 2014 to 17:00 Sunday, 7 September 2014

Special guest’s comment

SHIKATA Nao, the former Nadeshiko Japan player
Although there was only limited time, I really enjoyed having a kick about with you all. The key in football is enjoying it. If you like football a lot, you can improve your skills. One of the good things about football is sharing happiness with your teammates, for example, when your team scores. Please remember how you feel today and try hard, practicing a lot, in order to come back to this pitch as a Nadeshiko Japan or a player in the plenus Nadeshiko League. Thank you for joining us today.

Participant’s comment

KINUGASA Aya, Yuzu and Toa, participating mother and daughters
It was the first time for me and the second time for my daughters. I joined the beginners’ group, playing with children there. I childishly stole the ball from a child and scored. I enjoyed myself a lot. I’d like to come back again next time.
My daughters seemed to have enjoyed themselves so much, learning how to handle the ball with other elder children. That makes me think they will continue playing football. As we’ve always been on the supporters’ side, cheering at matches, I didn’t know my daughters could dribble this well. They could pass the ball and shoot at goals. Thanks to the coach, they won the prize as well. I’m really grateful.

Event Schedule

Special Sponsor