The JFA 25th U-15 Japan Women's Football Championship final took place on Monday 28 December, where JFA Academy Fukushima (Tokai1/Shizuoka) claimed their third national title.

The defending champion Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Junior Youth (Kanto2/Saitama) entered the match showing great composure, as they organised their defensive shape. Once winning the ball, they quickly delivered the ball upfront with MAEHARA Yoshino making runs to break through the open space. Fukushima on the other side, anticipated to deliver long balls behind the Urawa defence line. In the 17th minute, Fukushima’s DF NAGATA Rina delivered a pass that allowed KIMURA Miki to break loose, but Urawa’s GK SUGIMOTO Yui made a spectacular save to deny this chance. Sugimoto made another save in the 21st minute to keep the score-lined tied.

In efforts to break the deadlock, both sides utilised their substitutes in the second half. Urawa’s substitute, FUJISAKI Satoko made an attempt upfront to earn a CK, which setup the header of OKAMURA Raika, but her shot went straight to the hands of the GK. Fukushima’s two strikers, TANIKAWA Momoko and Kimura, who have combined for 11 goals at this tournament, continuously made attempts to threaten the Urawa goal, but the score remained 0-0 after regulation time, sending the match into overtime.

The players of both sides showed great intensity throughout overtime, showing no signs of fatigue, but fell short from finding the back of the net. Still tied at 0-0, the match entered PKs, where Fukushima’s GK KASHIMA Akari turned out to be the difference maker, as she stopped Urawa’s third spot kick. After successfully making all of their shots, JFA Academy Fukushima earned their third overall title, reclaiming the title they have won two years ago.

Coaches and Players' Comments

KONNO Yuiko, Coach (JFA Academy Fukushima)
We knew this was going to be a tough match, but the players played extremely hard until the very end. I believe that their enthusiasm and fighting spirit have led to this result. I am sure they were exhausted, but everybody worked hard to showcase their strong points. The fact that we were able to demonstrate a lot of what we have worked in our trainings is a sign of growth and gives me and the players a great deal of confidence. The seniors will now enter their new challenge at the youth category, while the first and second graders will try to defend this title.

YOSHIOKA Kokoro (JFA Academy Fukushima)
When I took the final PK, I tried putting everything we have worked over the three years into the ball. We couldn’t score a goal and there were some very tough stints, but I continued to believe in our team and kept making the runs. We were able to win this match because we stuck together as a team and I am very thankful of my teammates. We will now reflect on this match and analyse what we did well and what we lacked, so that we can improve ourselves ahead of the next stage.

MOMOTAKE Eri, Coach (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Junior Youth)
Our opponent showed solid defence when we had the ball, and we couldn’t create much shooting opportunities. The final third is the most difficult part of football, so we must improve our skill level and strive to become a team that can threaten the opponents with our attacks. Although we weren’t able to play many official-matches this season, by cherishing each match opportunity, we were able to gain more from each match. The seniors will now advance to the youth category, getting one step closer to becoming adults. I hope they will remember the bitterness they experienced today and thrive at the next stage.

SATO Miu (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Junior Youth)
It was very disappointing, but we gave everything we’ve got, so I have no regrets. Our team lacked unity before the tournament, but as we played more matches, we started to bond as a team. JFA Academy Fukushima was a very strong team. Each of their players were strong, so it was hard to win the one-on-ones against them. Personally, I would like to play in matches even when I advance to the youth team. I will continue to work hard so that I can win the national title at the youth category.

JFA 25th U-15 Japan Women's Football Championship

Tournament duration: Sat. 12 - Mon. 28 December 2020

Tournament Information