A refresh training course for goalkeeper coaches was held at the JFA Academy Kumamoto Uki, Kumamoto on 15 to 16 November. This training is not only for experienced goalkeeper coaches, but also for coaches who didn’t have any experience in goalkeeping. The training contained lectures, physical training, making training guides, and practical training. Even though the schedule was quite hectic, the participants finished the training satisfactorily. 

Instructor's Comment

SUMIYA Takashi, National Training Centre Coach
The refresh training course for goalkeeper coaches in West Japan has been held again in JFA Academy Kumamoto Uki. This training course is usually held every December. It is for all the coaching license holders so that coaches who do not supervise goalkeepers participated along side specialised goalkeeper coaches. This time the training was　aimed at coaching “crosses” to multiple age groups including U-12, U-15, and U-18. Regardless of experience in coaching goalkeepers, the participants tried coaching all of the mentioned three categories to understand the importance of coherent coaching and building good relationship between these categories. Through making a training plan, practical training, and serious discussion amongst participants, all of the participants could experience good results and challenges through what they did in the series of training sessions.

For the night training session, participants had a chance to learn about the Technical Study Group (TSG) report of FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the activities of U-16 and U-19 National Teams, and the current level of World’s top goalkeepers, and that of Japanese goalkeepers in each age category. It was a very active refresh training course with the passion of the participants. I hope this training will be helpful when the participants coach their teams. 

Participants' Comments

MINAMISONO Yutaro
The training was held under the theme of “crosses”. During those 2 days of training, I could clarify my questions I had had in my coaching activities. It was also very fruitful because I could see many coaches who work for the various categories in different prefectures in Kyusyu and the discussion with them was very productive. I want to reflect on what I learned today on my future activity.

NISHIKAWA Makoto
The training demonstrated how to coach each category on a step-by-step basis about the theme of “crosses”. For developing player’s techniques in cross, I learned that there are 3 aspects to focus. I learned the importance of what coach’s notice, when to coach, and quality of coaching according to the players. The training sessions were very good with many lesson learned.