From July 28 (Mon) to 30 (Wed), we held the Futsal Skill Up Summer Clinic for 5th and 6th grade elementary students at Kodaira Citizen's General Gymnasium!
[Day 1]
We started with a meeting! We reviewed the schedule for the three days, the clinic's goals, and the promises.
The topic on the first day was "Fixed Position Attack in Zones 3 and 4."
We reviewed the topic during the meeting, and the players engaged with serious expressions. They appeared surprised by the unique futsal techniques and tactics, while also deepening their understanding.
After moving to the gymnasium, we started training following an icebreaker.
FP and GK trained with separate menus, and from the practical training sessions, the GK also participated together.
In the game held at the end of practice, there were some signs of unfamiliarity with the futsal rules for the first time (substitution method, back-pass rule), but there were many moments where the learned skills and tactics were effectively applied!
[Day 2]
From the second day onward, activities took place throughout the entire day.
The topic for the morning was "Fixed-Position Defense."
We reviewed using the previous day's practice footage to confirm that each player takes responsibility in one-on-one defense.
Although we conducted complex training, many players adapted well, partly because we had reviewed it in the meeting.
The intensity of defense increased during the game, resulting in a higher quality match compared to the first day!
After the training ended, we held a reflection meeting and each participant filled out their booklet. They challenged themselves to write concretely using the "5W1H" method.
The topic for the afternoon of the second day was "Press Avoidance."
Press avoidance also involves a significant role for the GK, and everyone trained with a strong sense of unity.
Having trained fixed-position defense in the morning, we saw very good offense and defense during the game!
【Day 3】
On the final day, many players showed growth off the court as well, such as greeting others on their own and carrying their own belongings.
The morning topic was "Transition Defense."
This training focused on situations when "Press Avoidance," worked on the previous afternoon, did not go well.
After practice, there was a review meeting in preparation for the training match held in the afternoon.
We reviewed what we had worked on over the past three days, and ended by listening to "You'll Never Walk Alone" to boost morale!
The opponent in the training match was a team of school students attending the "Futsal Class" at the FC Tokyo Soccer & Futsal School!
Many players on the futsal school team have experience in the Vermont Cup activities (for more about the Vermont Cup activities, see here), making it a match against a very high-level team.
At first, there were moments of confusion due to the opposing team's coordination and speed, but gradually we adapted and were able to demonstrate the results of our training so far!
After the training match, we held the closing for the three days.
We reflected by filling out a booklet on whether we had come closer to the player image we aimed for and what we had worked hard on.
At the certificate awarding ceremony, each participant received their certificate from the coach and gave a speech sharing their thoughts and gratitude from the three days! Despite being nervous, it was impressive to see them sincerely express their thanks to their parents.
Finally, we watched a video reflecting on the three days. At the end of the video, there was also a message from Kento HASHIMOTO of the top team!
The surprise unique to FC Tokyo's school event brought out voices of amazement and joy from the children♪
