Monday 17 October saw the fourth day of the JFA Elite Programme U-14 Japan Women's Selection and the plays engaged in some cultural exchange between Korean and Japanese. Although it was pouring down with rain at the beginning, it cleared up by the time the players went onto the pitch in Osaka. The coach KANO led the training in the morning. Both Korean and Japanese players were divided altogether into six teams, wearing nametags written in both languages on their shirts. The players started with an icebreaker while calling each other’s names. After they started communicating more smoothly by playing tag or relay games, the teams held a mini-game tournament at the end in a round-robin format. Some teams prepared strategically. Although the players alternated between highs and lows with the results, there were smiles all round the training session. 

The players attended a culture-exchanging programme in the afternoon. They paid a visit to Shitennoji Temple, and went shopping afterwards. Japan will play the second match against Korean Republic on Tuesday 18 October. 

Assistant Coach's and Players' Comments

KANO Michihisa (JFA National Training Centre Coach/SAGAWA SHIGA FC)
Both Korean and Japanese players brought ideas to the table in the joint session in order to share their thoughts and solve problems by working together. By doing an icebreaker to start with, the players got to know each other through entertainment and were ready for a mini-game tournament at the end. They communicated proactively with smiles and called each other’s names. Many teams played with excited aiming to win the tournament. It was great fun. 

In the afternoon, we visited Shitennoji Temple to look at buildings, followed by sightseeing at Dotonbori. The players went in groups, which were made in the morning’s training session. Although they could not communicate well enough due to the language difference, the players tried hard to explain Japanese culture through body language and facial expression, not to mention some words. I was really impressed. We learned that we could get closer by trying to understand each other despite language and cultural differences. I sincerely hope that the players can show what they learned today in their football and in their everyday life in the future.

TAKAHARA Yui (Itano Junior High School)
It was the first time I had attended a joint session. Although I didn’t understand their language and I felt nervous, I gradually started to enjoy myself with others through the training session. We drew one match and lost four – we couldn’t win a single game despite our effort. We aimed to win the tournament first, but we were getting demoralised with each loss. We were pleased to draw a match in the end. Having said that, a win would have been better. In the afternoon, we walked a lot and got tired, but it was a fun. Tomorrow we’ll play a match. Although we had a good time today, I’m determined to win tomorrow. I’d like to display my strength by looking around to play hard both in attack and defence and working as a team. I’d like to make the most of it in the remaining two days and communicate more proactively with others.

MORI Fumika (INAC KOBE LEONESSA U-15/JFA Academy Sakai)
I had two unusual experiences today. Firstly, I attended a joint practice session with Korea Republic. I felt really nervous, as I wasn’t sure whether we could get on well. However, the Korean players were all very friendly, calling us by name, and we got to know each other very soon. We gave high fives while calling each other’s name during the warm-up. We also used Korean together to do some exercises. Although I found it very difficult to deliver my ideas during a relay game, succeeding to do so by using English or body language made me really happy.

We did aim to win the tournament, but unfortunately we lost. I believe we enjoyed playing football together despite the language difference. Secondly, we visited Shitennoji Temple together and went shopping afterwards. I made a lot of effort to find out what the Korean players wanted to get, which was a precious experience. In tomorrow’s game against Korea Republic, I’d like to show off what I can do to win the match. I’d like to enjoy the remaining two days. 

SHIMADA Hana (OKAYAMA YUNOGO BELLE U‐15・U‐18)
It was the fourth day of the Elite Programme, and I think I have got to know my teammates. We attended a joint session to exchange cultures with Korean players. Although I struggled to communicate due to language difference, I started to understand how to manage by using English or body language through a relay game. In the afternoon, we became closer after going sightseeing in Osaka. It was a fun to go shopping and eat Takoyaki together. As we played in a group in the morning, I didn’t have many opportunities to talk to the players in the other groups. However, I could communicate with others in the afternoon. It was a very good experience. 

We’ll play a match against Korea Republic tomorrow. We won one game, but that doesn’t mean we can win tomorrow again. So I’d like to play harder than before in order to contribute to the team.

TAKARA Kotone (Vicsale Okinawa FC Nabiita)
The coach KANO introduced interesting games in the training session, so that we could improve the level of the team by using the ball or we could communicate better with others using Korean words or other players’ names. During matches at the end, we did a little game in order to keep ourselves motivated and to aim to win the tournament as a united team. In the afternoon, we went sightseeing in Osaka together, did some shopping, and visited Shitennoji Temple, which I found very historical and spiritual. We also went to see a famous Glico advertising display, and ate Takoyaki while shopping together. I had a really productive and enjoyable time. Since we’ll play a match tomorrow, I’d like to refresh myself to face the game in a good condition.

Schedule

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