On Sunday 2 April, Coach TAKAKURA Asako of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) with Assistant Coach OBE Yumi held a football clinic for children in collaboration with Kumamoto Prefecture and Kumamoto Football Association in Mashiki Town, Kumamoto as a part of earthquake reconstruction effort event of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2017 - Kumamoto Earthquake Charity Match ‘Ganbarubai Kumamoto’ - vs Costa Rica Women's National Team on Sunday 9 April at Kumamoto Prefecture Athletics Stadium. Nadeshiko coaches hosted this special course to support the earthquake reconstruction efforts and help promote football in Kumamoto. Fifty-five grade-school students who currently play for local football clubs in Kumamoto participated in this one-day clinic.

The participants looked nervous at the beginning but as they went through recreational exercises using the ball, they started to show smiles and chased the ball with the special and unexpected entry of KUMAMON, a mascot character representing Kumamoto Prefecture. Later on, the students played small-sided games and attentively listened to coach Takakura and assistant coach Obe calling out plays and giving them instructions.

On this day, Kirin Holdings provided beverages to the participants. As a special supporting company of the Kirin Challenge Cup in Kumamoto, Kirin Holdings will invite 400 children affected by the earthquake to the game using the Kumamoto disaster relief fund provided by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation of the “Reconstruction Support Kirin ‘KIZUNA’ Project”.

With only a week from the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2017 - Kumamoto Earthquake Charity Match ‘Ganbarubai Kumamoto’, Nadeshiko Japan will arrive in Kumamoto on Monday 3 April and begin their training camp.

Coach's Comment

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team)
I was glad to see children enjoying this clinic. Working hard, challenging everything with enthusiasm, and collaborating efforts with teammates to attain a single goal are some of the things I wish these children can learn from this event. By doing so, they will find the strength to work hard for their dreams, and I hope they will continue their efforts for their respective dreams. In the match on Sunday 4 April, we are looking to display Nadeshiko’s brand of football by showing persistence and relentless efforts until the very end. I am also looking forward to show the new Nadeshiko Japan in Kumamoto. We would like to play the match with courage.