Go HATANO from the top team participated as a special guest at the Goalkeeper Clinic held in October 2025 (Omori and Koganei venues)!
Since it was a surprise appearance without prior notice, the children were extremely excited to see Go HATANO appear on the pitch!
“Wow! It’s the real Go HATANO!” “Seriously!?” Cheers and surprised voices erupted, and the venue was instantly filled with excitement.
From the warm-up, the children actively communicated with Go HATANO by moving together and exchanging balls.
After the warm-up, the GK training started right away!
Go HATANO carefully taught the basics of goalkeeping, starting with the "ready stance."
"It is important to prepare before the ball comes and always keep your hands positioned to react immediately and catch the ball," he explained practically, demonstrating how to grip the ball, how to position the hands, the width of the feet, and other detailed points.
The children listened intently with serious expressions, repeatedly checking by imitating the movements themselves.
Next, they proceeded with training on "catching."
Player Hatano explained, "Catching is not just about grabbing the ball, but about consciously matching the shape of your hands to the ball and waiting," and instructed on the correct hand shape and body usage.
Following advice from Go HATANO, the children practiced actually catching the ball.
Between detailed technical instructions, Go HATANO encouraged the children with phrases like "Nice catch!" and "That was great just now!", and smiles gradually grew on their faces.
And then, the main theme of the training: "Shot Stopping"
Go HATANO himself took shots, and the children took turns challenging him in a face-off format.
At first, the children were surprised by the speed of the professional shots, but gradually they got the timing and bravely faced the challenge.
When they made a save, Go HATANO’s voice encouraging them with “Nice keeper!” and when they just missed, “So close!” filled the venue with a warm atmosphere throughout.
Furthermore, Go HATANO gave precise advice to each child, such as “If you move like that, step half a pace forward” and “Let’s fall forward,” and it was impressive to see the children applying this to their next plays.
After all the training was finished, it was time for a Q&A session with Go HATANO!
Questions kept coming from the children, such as "Which opponent did you dislike facing?" and "What do you focus on when stopping a shot?"
Go HATANO answered every question carefully, sharing his own starting point by saying, "I started as a GK in junior high school, but with effort, you can grow as much as you want." He then sent a passionate message to the young goalkeepers of the future: "Everyone here started playing GK earlier than I did. That’s why if you grow at your own pace without rushing, you will definitely see results."
The children's eyes sparkled upon hearing those words, and it was impressive to see the surrounding parents nodding deeply.
After that, it was time for an autograph session and photo shoot with all the participants.
Go HATANO exchanged kind words with each person, and while signing autographs, he cheerfully encouraged them, saying, "Keep doing your best!"
Some children spoke strongly, saying, "I will never forget what I was taught today!"
It was clear that this day became a special experience for them.
Finally, a "rock-paper-scissors tournament" was held for the GK gloves that Go HATANO actually uses!
The venue instantly became lively, and when the one remaining winner successfully took the gloves, loud applause and cheers erupted.
Both the winning children and those who narrowly lost shook hands with Go HATANO with smiles, and the event concluded in a warm atmosphere.
