Forecast: Rain and its all day constant heavy drizzle. Bus transport out to Coerver headquarters in Tokyo which is located underneath a bullet train line (which are mostly overhead). Free space is a premium in Tokyo and so fields/parks are located near train lines as they don’t build houses/apartments here.
Parents were given opportunity to sit in a lecture given by Alf Galustian to prospective Coerver Coaches. Was interesting as Alf lectures in English and translator then translates to Japanese coaches. Alf went over their Coerver Code – which all makes very good sense and is great to hear for the parents.
The teams went outside and trained in rain. Afterwards parents were also allowed to watch Alf give a lesson to Coaches before all the Japanese coaches then took the kids through 4 separate training segments. The coaches were all very enthusiastic and great with the kids and the language barrier didn’t seem to be a hinderance at all. All the kids seemed to have a ball. What a brilliant experience!
Afterwards kids tried to dry off a little before going back to hotel for lunch of Chinese banquet (in Japan..) and afternoon rest.
Bus transported all of us to Tokyo Verdy facility (J2 League team facility). The facility is brilliant and our teams had the opportunity to play against their development team. Not sure how this was organised but it was a chance for our teams to go up against kids that are ear-marked early for a professional career.
Jason spoke to all the parents to tell us how rare and special this opportunity is and to not expect our teams to have any chance. For the 10s it would be the first time they would play on 3/4 pitch with 8 per side and for some reason they played 3 x 15 minutes periods. Whilst our teams were brave in defence and tried their hearts out they were thoroughly out-classed. The technical skill, decision-making and team awareness and positioning is truly mesmerising at the ages of these academy teams. It was beautiful football to watch and a valuable lesson to all prospective players on what skill level is needed to compete at a “professional” level – both as an individual player and at a team level.
The spirit of the game and the politeness and gratitude of the Japanese people is truly marvellous.
This was the most educational and enjoyable day yet for all…
Got back to hotel about 10:00pm. I believe the kids will sleep tonight… and although thoroughly beaten in competition they are much the wiser as footballers and as kids - they will always remember this day….
Unforgettably brilliant. Thanks Japan.
