THE Japan Foundation Asia Center and the Japan Professional Football
League (J. League) opened its three-day football clinics for kids in the
Philippines Friday, February 3.
Coaches from the J. League Club Shonan Bellmare are spearheading the event.
The Japan Foundation Asia Center, J. League and the Japan Football
Association took the initiative to encourage various exchange
programs in the field of football since November 2014.
Its aims to provide opportunities for people-to-people exchange in the area of football to further strengthen friendship between Japan and other
countries and develop the football culture in the Asian region.
One of the key programs in the initiative is the exchange of coaches and
players between Japan and Asean countries. This encourages young
players to pursue their goals and aspire to play in the upcoming Tokyo
2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the same time, the Football
Clinics will reinforce football networks and the development of future
leaders of football in Asia.
Shonan Bellmare is the J. League Club assigned in the Philippines.
This year will be their second time to hold the clinics. Four players
and staff members from the Philippines will also be invited to Japan
this year to learn more about football culture in Japan and to
continue the development and growth of football in the region. (PR)