The six-day programme finally came to the final day. The morning session was their final training of the whole programme. As the Korea Republic Women's National Team left the training site in the midway through the session, the Japanese squad saw their bus off together. Then, the squad, divided into two groups, played two 20-minute games to wrap up the training.

At the last meeting, coach KATO gave the girls some hard words, but they were to believe players' future development. "Everyone takes part in this programme as a representative of each region. One of your key roles is to convey your experience here to your teammates after getting back to your team and region," said assistant coach UKITA.

Goalkeeper coach IJIMA also sent his words to the participating players in the camp. "You need to place importance not only on this programme but also your daily training."

Their two-year elite programme that was held six times came to an end with the meeting. The next opportunity where the players assemble is the U-15 training camp next year. The players will continue training in their team until the time to meet again after growing up next year.

Coach and Players' Comments

KATO Kenji, Coach (JFA National Training Centre Coach)
The players showed their highly-motivated attitude and their quick learning ability. Thanks to experienced players who created a good atmosphere, new faces and players who joined again after so long were able to smoothly join the programme.

This time, we invited the Korea Republic Women's National Team to Japan. Off the pitch, I think we were successful in repaying from the heart for the hospitality that we were given when we visited Korea Republic last year. The big thing was that there were a lot of players who showed up for the camp after growing so much already. That's because many players got faster as their body grew taller and bigger and because they have been seriously facing their issues in the daily training in their club.

Especially, some part was working well in the practice matches against Korea Republic and high school students like their high awareness on defence and winning the ball through approaches following purposeful positioning. Obviously, there are also players who found a new thing to improve and shifted their objective to a higher one. Anyways, everyone got high motivation through this elite programme. They wrapped up the activity after promising to meet up again in the national team of another age group and Nadeshiko Japan.

MIYAKE Sayu (Okayama Yunogo Belle U‐15, U‐18/JFA Academy Sakai)
I joined five of the six elite camps of U-13 and U-14. Starting from the Canon Girls Camp, I gained a lot of experiences until this friendship opportunity with Korea Republic. The most memorable events were the trips to Korea Republic last year and China this year.

Everything in Korea was my first time experience and I had so much fun. We got a ride on a gorgeous bus and played matches in the Japan National Team's kit. In China, as it was the Asian competition, we played against various countries. We got a lot of tough situations like the difference in the physical size and the language barrier, but we all got together and got the third place and Fair Play Award. It was disappointing, but I'm happy we played the Japan style of football.

The elite programme ended with this camp. Even so, I will try to take advantage of the experience I got here for my future development. Thank you very much everyone who got involved in this activity.

UEDA Kana (Urawa Reds Ladies Junior Youth)
During this two-year elite programme spell, I met players from other teams who've got various characteristics and a lot of players from overseas.

Starting from the first elite programme in May last year, our teamwork got better each time and our combination side also gradually got better. Back in November of last year, we went to Korea Republic for the first time in our activity and I experienced my first international match. And in May this year, we travelled to China for our first international competition and had an opportunity to play against one of the world's best teams Korea DPR.

Through this activity, I went to another country for the first time in my life and had an international match. I learned physical strength that is different from the sense we usually have in Japan. I found out my issues and strengths in the matches against overseas players, so I want to take advantage of this elite programme experience for my future. I want to convey the experience to as many teammates as possible back in my team, not ending up with just finding my issues and strengths.

Lastly, remembering the gratitude to coaches, staff members and teammates who were with us, I want to improve myself for the U-15 camp next year and following national teams and for my future objective.

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