‘The GINZA de FUTSAL, Ginza football school’ hosted the JFA Nadeshiko Friends Square on the roof of a department store, Printemps Ginza, in Chūō-ku, Tokyo on Friday 7 November. Although the influence of the rain the day before was a concern, as the site was outside, there was no problem in the end. The children started kicking the balls before the event. In the programme, the participating girls started with some stretching and then tried the ‘ball familiar’, in which they controlled the ball using various parts of their bodies. First they tried a simple task and moved gradually on to more complicated ones. The children were frustrated during their challenge when the task was too difficult. Some small girls impressively tackled older girls to steal the ball in ‘Goal Tag’, which was like a game of tag with a ball, aiming at the goal without being intercepted. The ‘Goal Tag’ and the shooting practice were very successful and many wanted to continue them longer, and others mentioned the game was one of the best parts. As it was a regular event, there were some girls, who had joined several times before, had made some friends. There was a comfortable atmosphere around and everyone enjoyed playing.  

Host’s comment

KOMIYA Yuichi, the manager of Ginza football school
We have been participating in the ‘JFA Nadeshiko Friends Square’ since January and currently host it every Friday. Some of the participants took part in a women’s futsal tournament together as a team the other day. As it was the first cup for some girls in the team, it didn’t go too well, but they were chuffed when they won a game in the end. There are still not enough places for schoolgirls to play futsal. They have to play with boys or they can’t find places to play, as they get older. I’d like to continue providing the opportunities for schoolgirls to play and build teams for themselves, and contribute to the development of futsal.

Participant’s comment

SHIOYAMA Inori
I’m new to football, but I have been thinking of starting. I came here today, as I heard it was girls only. It was very good, as I might have felt scared a bit if there had been boys as well. I enjoyed myself very much, playing with girls from other schools who were the same age as me or a bit older than me. Although I’m a beginner, I’d like to come here every week and improve myself.

The JFA Nadeshiko Hiroba

The JFA Nadeshiko Hiroba is a ''place'' and ''time'' for the women, from the children to the adults, to casually enjoy and continue to play football and futsal on a periodical basis. We are looking for those who can run this event.

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