Wataru GOTO from the top team and Ryota Inoue, the top team assistant goalkeeper coach, participated as special guests in the Goalkeeper Clinic (Koganei venue) held in November 2025!
The training started with a warm-up.
Player Goto carefully went over each movement with the theme of "catching high balls" and "step work," which are essential for goalkeepers
"When calling for the ball, make sure to use a strong voice!"
"Great! Your voice is loud!"
He actively encouraged the children.
At first, the children looked nervous, but gradually their smiles increased thanks to Goto’s bright and passionate encouragement, and they naturally began to speak out loudly.
Coach Inoue also gave positive advice, saying, "Let’s communicate a lot with the kids around you!"
Next, we conducted training on basic techniques such as catching, stance, and rolling down.
In this session, player Goto and coach Inoue each went around the groups, speaking directly to each individual.
"Is this hand shape okay?"
"Try to meet the ball more in front of your body."
The children listened intently with serious expressions to such detailed advice.
Coach Inoue taught decision-making in realistic situations while actually throwing the ball.
"In a match, there is no ball that comes perfectly shaped. That’s why preparation and stance are important."
At those words, the children's eyes grew even more serious.
After the basic drills, they moved on to more practical shot-stopping exercises.
The coaches passed the ball, and the players acting as forwards took shots.
It was an intense training session where the goalkeepers tried to stop those shots.
Player Goto encouraged, "Move quickly and get ready to wait!" "Prepare to stop early!" While actually demonstrating himself, he conveyed the importance of timing and positioning.
During the demonstration, the children, seeing the professional speed and reactions up close, widened their eyes and exclaimed in surprise, "So fast!" "It's amazing that he stops that!"
Each time, we saw the children playing with full effort, determined not to lose even when it was their turn!
The final exercise was a practical training session where they defended the goal in a 2 vs 1 situation.
Player Goto explained, "Stopping shots is important, but moving the defense to prevent shots is also a goalkeeper's job," and demonstrated correcting positions by communicating with the defenders, teaching the importance of communication during the game.
In response to that advice, the children showed expressions of understanding, saying, "I see," and "If we speak out, it becomes easier to defend," and by the end of the training, their voices had grown to more than twice as loud as at the beginning!
After all the training was finished, it was time for autographs and photo sessions.
The children happily received autographs from player Goto and coach Inoue on their uniforms and gloves!
It was wrapped in a warm atmosphere, different from during practice♪
After the photo session, there was a giveaway of a signed goalkeeper glove that player Goto actually used!
A rock-paper-scissors tournament was held, and one lucky winner successfully claimed the precious gloves!
The winning child's smile and the expressions of the friends applauding around were very impressive.
Finally, Coach Inoue said, "I want you to continue playing with the same passion as today. Don’t be afraid of mistakes; challenging yourself leads to growth."
Player Goto added, "If you practice hard, you will surely surpass me and the other FC Tokyo goalkeepers. If you keep making efforts, your chance will definitely come."
They each delivered powerful messages, and the children nodded with serious expressions.
This goalkeeper clinic was a special time not only to improve skills but also to experience up close the “professional attitude” and “genuine passion.”
At the FC Tokyo Soccer and Futsal School, we will continue to hold events unique to FC Tokyo!
