Learning The Ways From Elite Japanese Footballers
Football - Training trip to Japan
18 footballers from Singapore Sports School Football Academy had the unique opportunity to embark on an inspiring journey to Japan, where they honed their skills and learned valuable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and technique. The team departed for Kofu on 30 October and returned on 5 November 2024. Over the week, they trained at the Kofu training ground, experiencing the thrill of playing on mountain-top pitches and immersing themselves in Japan’s strong football culture.
The team played a total of five matches, challenging local Japanese teams Omiya, Fortuna, and Ventforet Kofu. Reflecting on the games, Secondary 3 footballer, Muhammad Darwisy Fitri Johari noted the Japanese teams’ impressive technical ability, which allowed them to avoid relying solely on physical strength. “They had a lot of fire and determination to win every game, and the way they communicate is something we can learn from,” he said. Fellow teammate, Erdy Thaqib Mohammad Taha echoed this sentiment, emphasising the seamless teamwork and high intensity that the Japanese players displayed as they built up their attacks to the final third, with speed and precision that proved challenging to match.
The budding footballers were struck by the key differences between their style of play and that of their Japanese counterparts. The Japanese players’ relentless energy and seamless coordination left a strong impression. Darwisy admired the Japanese players’ resilience, noting that they “didn’t show any sign of tiredness.” Erdy highlighted the intensity and mentality the Japanese players brought to every match, while Aaryan Azraqi Hermi was inspired by their quick play and focus, qualities that made each game an intense battle.
Throughout the trip, the footballers received valuable guidance from their coaches. Darwisy appreciated the tactical advice and encouragement provided, while Erdy noted that their coach’s motivational speeches and specific tactical guidance helped them navigate the challenges on the field. Aaryan explained, “Our coaches gave us pointers on both defending and attacking, observing the game from a full-field perspective and providing guidance on what to improve.”
Several players were noted for their exceptional performance and leadership throughout the trip. Darwisy praised Erdy, saying he defended “as if it were a war,” showing resilience and motivating the team in tough moments. Erdy, in turn, commended both Darwisy and Aaryan for their dedication, noting that Darwisy led the team strongly as captain, while Aaryan’s role as vice-captain included organising the team’s preparations and keeping morale high. Aaryan, too, highlighted Erdy’s leadership, sharing how he managed team logistics and ensured everyone was mentally aligned during the training trip.
The experience was beneficial to the Singapore Sports School players, sparking new perspectives on their own football journeys. Darwisy shared that he now feels more confident and aims to be more composed with the ball. He truly appreciated the opportunity to learn from better teams and he will never take such opportunities for granted. Erdy plans to apply lessons in leadership, focusing on staying calm and collected. Meanwhile, Aaryan has been inspired to train with a heightened sense of speed and commitment, with hopes of reaching or even surpassing the Japanese level of play.
As they integrate these learnings into their training, they look forward to setting new benchmarks and strengthening the standards of football in Singapore.
18 footballers from Singapore Sports School Football Academy had the unique opportunity to embark on an inspiring journey to Japan, where they honed their skills and learned valuable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and technique. The team departed for Kofu on 30 October and returned on 5 November 2024. Over the week, they trained at the Kofu training ground, experiencing the thrill of playing on mountain-top pitches and immersing themselves in Japan’s strong football culture.
The team played a total of five matches, challenging local Japanese teams Omiya, Fortuna, and Ventforet Kofu. Reflecting on the games, Secondary 3 footballer, Muhammad Darwisy Fitri Johari noted the Japanese teams’ impressive technical ability, which allowed them to avoid relying solely on physical strength. “They had a lot of fire and determination to win every game, and the way they communicate is something we can learn from,” he said. Fellow teammate, Erdy Thaqib Mohammad Taha echoed this sentiment, emphasising the seamless teamwork and high intensity that the Japanese players displayed as they built up their attacks to the final third, with speed and precision that proved challenging to match.
The budding footballers were struck by the key differences between their style of play and that of their Japanese counterparts. The Japanese players’ relentless energy and seamless coordination left a strong impression. Darwisy admired the Japanese players’ resilience, noting that they “didn’t show any sign of tiredness.” Erdy highlighted the intensity and mentality the Japanese players brought to every match, while Aaryan Azraqi Hermi was inspired by their quick play and focus, qualities that made each game an intense battle.
Throughout the trip, the footballers received valuable guidance from their coaches. Darwisy appreciated the tactical advice and encouragement provided, while Erdy noted that their coach’s motivational speeches and specific tactical guidance helped them navigate the challenges on the field. Aaryan explained, “Our coaches gave us pointers on both defending and attacking, observing the game from a full-field perspective and providing guidance on what to improve.”
Several players were noted for their exceptional performance and leadership throughout the trip. Darwisy praised Erdy, saying he defended “as if it were a war,” showing resilience and motivating the team in tough moments. Erdy, in turn, commended both Darwisy and Aaryan for their dedication, noting that Darwisy led the team strongly as captain, while Aaryan’s role as vice-captain included organising the team’s preparations and keeping morale high. Aaryan, too, highlighted Erdy’s leadership, sharing how he managed team logistics and ensured everyone was mentally aligned during the training trip.
The experience was beneficial to the Singapore Sports School players, sparking new perspectives on their own football journeys. Darwisy shared that he now feels more confident and aims to be more composed with the ball. He truly appreciated the opportunity to learn from better teams and he will never take such opportunities for granted. Erdy plans to apply lessons in leadership, focusing on staying calm and collected. Meanwhile, Aaryan has been inspired to train with a heightened sense of speed and commitment, with hopes of reaching or even surpassing the Japanese level of play.
As they integrate these learnings into their training, they look forward to setting new benchmarks and strengthening the standards of football in Singapore.
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