The Dutch Football Class started in 2017. This year was the third time. Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture hosted the “Dutch Football Class” as part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Host Town project. It offers lessons to 110 elementary school students in the city to deepen their international understanding through soccer.
In Japan, there are few opportunities to interact with overseas players at this age. When I was 12 years old, I got the opportunity to participate in a few youths training sessions at two Dutch Football clubs. The first thing that surprised me was the requirement to be able to think for myself on the pitch and to have fun. Even now, as a professional, this is still the basis of my play. I wanted to convey this to the children. I think it is a skill that I would like them to develop, in addition to learning the techniques.
Through interacting with the children, I could feel that I am still having the same feelings as when I was in elementary school. I realized that innocently enjoying playing soccer is one of the reasons why I continue to play soccer.
With so many professional players out there, I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to share my experiences in this way. This class is always held during my off-season, and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch after this class. Maybe it’s because the off the kids’ dedication and pure smiles that inspire me; I can’t hide my excitement… right?
01 June , 2019
通常日本でこの年代で海外の選手と交流する機会は少ないと思います。自分が12歳の時オランダのサッカークラブのユースの練習に参加した時、先ず最初に戸惑ったのは「ピッチ上で自分で考える力」を要求されたこと、そして「楽しむこと」。それはプロになった今でもプレイの根底にあります。子供たちにもそれを伝えたかったし、技術だけでなくぜひ鍛えて欲しいスキルだと思います。
子供達との交流を通して、サッカーを無邪気に楽しめた小学生時代の気持ちが今も自分の中にあると感じられ、それがサッカーを続けている理由の一つだと再認識しました。多くのプロ選手がいる中、こういう形で自分の経験を共有できる機会を与えられることはとても幸運なことです。このサッカー教室は私のシーズンオフ時に合わせて開催されますが、この教室の後はいつも早くピッチに戻りたくなります。子供達のひたむきな姿と純粋な笑顔のなせるわざなのか・・・な？
２０１９年6月１日
