The 16 players of the U-20 Japan Futsal National Team, including reserve players, gathered in Nagoya city in Aichi on Monday 1 May in preparation for the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship, which will start on Tuesday 16 May.

During a meeting before the practice session, the coach SUZUKI told the players: ‘our goal is to win the championship. Our aim is that each of you will become competitive enough against top-class international players. I want all of you to feel we’re a family, feeling comfortable to say anything you want to or even to quarrel if necessary.

In the morning, the players mainly focused on attacks, going through initiating attacks from fixed positions. They were thorough about creating opportunities themselves and playing harmoniously, rather than just attacking in fixed-patterns.

In the afternoon, they trained more intensively mainly in a game format, getting themselves in good condition for the coming games.

Players' Comments

GK #1 SAKA Keisuke (ESPOLADA HOKKAIDO)
As a preparation for the games, I’d like to focus on staying competitive among the team to grab a spot on the pitch. Even if I’m on the bench, I’d like to do my best to support the team. I’ll train hard, working on my strengths, including savings and skills with my feet to initiate attacks.

FP #7 NAKAMURA Mitsuru (PESCADOLA MACHIDA ASPIRANTE)
I’d like to practice one by one in this high quality training camp, bearing the international level in mind, in preparation for winning the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship. I don’t think we are vocal enough during practice sessions. So I’d like to encourage the team first by staying more vocal.

FP #14 NII Takahito (SHRIKER OSAKA SATELLITE)
As I haven’t played internationally yet, I’m really looking forward to the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship. I expect every country is very competitive, but I’m determined to get victories, aiming to win the championship. I’d like to practice as a united team during this training camp, while communicating well everyday.

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule may be subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.