U-15 Japan short-listed squad held the second day of their training camp.
The players trained with the ball to hone their tactics in preparation for tomorrow’s practice matches. In the morning, they focused on improving the quality of passing and controlling, which they recognised as one of their challenges yesterday, so that they could pass the ball at the right time for the receivers. The players repeatedly practiced passing.

The players did some one-on-one practice, which is usual at the training camp for the U-15 Japan National Team. The players followed the advice from the staff about how to press the other player, how to steal the ball, or how to sustain the distance from the opponent. The players, especially Egawa Genki and Danzaki Riku stayed vocal to encourage their teammates, while each player was showing a fierce competitive streak on the pitch. In the end, the players spent some time doing six-on-six training in order to practice intercepting the ball or using their body to defend the goal in anticipation for tomorrow’s practice matches.

In the afternoon, the players repeated playing 11-a-side mini games focusing on one thing each time. Moriyama Yoshiro, the head coach, stopped the game whenever there was some good play or something to be improved, and explained how to control the defensive line or how to go to the space behind the opponent. The players did not show any tiredness and kept calling each other, which showed that they had an increased sense of unity since the day before.

In the evening meeting, Kokichi Kimura, the Youth Development Director, told the players the concept of playing for the national team, and Moriyama Yoshiro, the head coach, shared some excellent plays from past U-15 Japan National Teams. Then Sato Yohei, the Goalkeeping Coach, pointed out about the positioning for corner kicks and free kicks.

The team will play against two strong teams, both of which lead Chiba - Ichiritsu Funabashi High School in the morning and Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa in the afternoon.

Players’ Comments

GK　FUJITA Kazuki（Albirex Niigata U-15）
I was surprised to be here this time, if I’m honest. However, as I was chosen, I’d like to do my best with pride as a member of the national team. I learned about my strengths and weaknesses during this tour, and I’ll improve them through daily practice. I’ll be on the pitch in the first half of the first match and in the second half of the second match. I’d like to stay vocal from the very back, not being pressed by the powerful teams. I know there will be some point, when it’s physically very tough. So I’d like to encourage my teammates to win the match.

DF　SUGII Hayate（Kashiwa Reysol U-15）
I’m delighted to play against both Ichiritsu Funabashi High School and Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa, which will be an excellent experience for me. As Kokichi Kimura, the Youth Development Director, told us in the evening meeting, I’d like to refresh my mind quickly for the next play, even if we concede a goal. I’d like to press the opponent as much as possible. I think the team has become more united through today’s practice and there is a good atmosphere around the team off the pitch. I’d like to get a good result with my teammates. 

MF　MORITA Koki（Tokyo Verdy Junior Youth）
The atmosphere of the team is gradually getting better. This is the second time for me to join the training camp. In tomorrow’s matches, I’d like to show as much as possible what I’ve learned at the previous main camp and during this training camp. As I doubt we can beat the opponent in the physical aspect, I’d like to create an attacking opportunity, using my strength – keeping possession and accurate passes. I’d like to run more than anyone, switching the attack and the defence swiftly and using my body more than the opponent. 

Schedule

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

Future Schedule