13 February, Japan Women’s National Team short-listed squad started their second training camp in preparation for the final Asian qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics which is starting in 2 weeks. The 25 players entered the camp venue while local people welcomed them with traditional drum playing "Eisa". The Mayor of Nakagusuku Village, Mr. HAMADA Keisuke expressed a warm welcome to the players in the village-led welcome ceremony. The players started the training in the positive atmosphere.

The temperature was above 20 degrees, the players’ condition was checked by the "yo-yo test" which has intermittent shuttle runs. After the test, they had another hour to have light sessions with the ball. In the final Asian qualifying in Osaka, they will have 3 matches in the first 6 days and after 2 days, they will play another 2 matches. The number of registered players for the qualifier will be 20, including 3 goalkeepers.

In the meeting after dinner, the team’s Coach SASAKI Norio told the players the perspective of this training which will include many practical games to improve the quality of the team: "In the final Asian qualifying, we will have only 1 day in between the next matches. That means we have to prepare ourselves to be consistent; whoever plays, we have to keep our level. The competition will be held in Japan and many Japanese people can watch us. This is very important opportunity to boost the future of women’s football."

Meanwhile, Okinawa Familymart Co.,Ltd. which is a part of FamilyMart Co.,Ltd. presented the company’s original products such as fried chicken to the team. FamilyMart Co.,Ltd. Group is the Supporting Company of Japan National Teams. Nakagusuku Village is the place where Gamba Osaka has a series of training camps. They accomplished the three consecutive titles in 2014 and has recently became the champion of the Emperor’s Cup; the village is believed to bring the team good luck. The team is getting ready for the upcoming competition accepting any support at this venue.

Coach and Players' Comments

SASAKI Norio, Coach
We have got a positive mood from the U-23 Japan National Team who has recently qualified for the Olympic Games. We will also join in this positive wind to respond to the expectation of our Japanese supporters. This camp has another role to select the squad players for the qualifier, while we pay attention to the direction of our team in a series of practical session. One of the important challenges for us is to increasing the number of goals we score. We will work to stimulate understanding amongst players on the pitch as well as to improve the quality of our shooting.

MF  MIYAMA Aya (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
The qualifying is just around the corner. What is now important is "team’s unity" rather than independent plays. We all have to keep high motivation, thinking about what we can do for the team to get the opportunity for the Olympic Games. After the first camp, I have more images of play and I can’t wait for the practical training. We will stay with what we have done and keep playing just to win.

Schedule

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

Asian Qualifiers Final Round (Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016)

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