It was the third day of the U-16 Japan Women's National Team USA tour.

Both on the second and the third day, the players held two practice sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Each time their training started with stretching, and agility and core training with the athletic trainer Yamaguchi. At the end of the passing practice for the warm-up, the player in the centre was required to do a short performance in front of everyone. With some laughter, the players gradually became more relaxed and cheerful, compared to when they first gathered together.

Then they started the technical and tactic training. Kusunose, the head coach, encouraged the players to stay vocal all the time, acting on their own initiative, and to use maximum force for every single practice. In response, the players practiced hard and steadily. 

After dinner on 9 February, Yamashita Yoshimi, who will referee the matches in the coming 2015 U-17 Women's NTC Invitational, gave a lecture. The players learned about fouls in the game through a quiz. 

Tomorrow the team will play their first match against Canada. The head coach encouraged the players in the meeting on the evening of 10 February: "let’s win the match tomorrow and have positive feedback after the game."

Comments

KUSUNOSE Naoki（JFA National Coaching Staff/FC Machida Zelvia）
I felt the players weren’t in good condition because of the time difference and their fatigue on the first day of the tour. However, they showed better performance on the second day, and I could see each player’s character. I found a direction for this team, so that they could follow the same path of the Nadeshiko Japan. I’d like to find their new talents and develop them, and also I’d like the players to stay competitive, being aware that they could become something special. From tomorrow’s match, I’d like to show each player’s character well. It’s much hotter here in California and the players haven’t got themselves in the best condition yet. Although there are some mitigating factors, I hope their performance gets better in each game and they will play their last match against the US in their best condition on 15 February. 

KOJIMA Seira（Urawa Reds Ladies Youth）
Three days have passed since this tour started. I got used to the food and the environment in the US. The more we practiced, the more we could play harmoniously. The team’s atmosphere got better, staying vocal. We had a lecture by the referee Yamashita on the second night, and learned about the judgment criteria, which was very useful. We’ll play our first game against Canada tomorrow. As we’ll have a practice session in the morning, I’ll put spirit into it, staying focused on the match. I’d like to start the match well as a team and win the game.

KARAHASHI Mayu（Albirex Niigata Ladies U-15）
I feel sleepy in the morning practice session because of the time difference. Although it’s much hotter than Japan, I’m focusing on each practice. During the practice session, the coach always mentions three things - ‘don’t lose the ball’, ‘don’t push yourself too much’, and ‘first defender’. He comments a lot about the defence in meetings. We’ll play three matches and there might be some tough time. However, I’d like to stay positive against the bigger and stronger opponents and show harmonious play, which is Japan’s character, in order to win every match. When I’m on the pitch, I will challenge a lot and enjoy myself.

NAITO Karin（Varmos Eniwa FC）
There is a 17-hour time difference between the US and Japan and it’s almost 25 degrees C here. I found it very tough at first, but gradually got used to it. In the training sessions, we mainly practice as a team and we have to coordinate, which is different from the Elite or the quorum programme. We couldn't stay vocal at first, but we’ve set the mood for our team now. I found some time before the training myself to do some agility and core training. I focus on doing each movement correctly. I eat a lot, so that I can recover from the training. I couldn’t eat much at first, as the food is different here. Now I can finish my plate with the others. I know tomorrow’s opponent will be bigger and faster, but I’d like to challenge as an individual as well as a team, while staying positive. I want to win the match, and have positive feedback. I will prepare myself, so that I can play in good condition. 

Live Streaming Schedule

www.ussoccer.com/
www.youtube.com/ussoccerdotcom　

Wed. 11 February
3 p.m.　Japan vs. Canada
6 p.m.　United States vs. Mexico
Fri. 13 February
3 p.m.　Mexico vs. Japan
6 p.m.　Canada vs. United States
Sun. 15 February
1 p.m.　Mexico vs. Canada
4 p.m.　United States vs. Japan
（*Local Time）

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

Further Schedule