Go HATANO, a top team player, participated as a special guest in the goalkeeper clinic held in October 2025 (Omori and Koganei venues)!
Since it was a surprise appearance without prior notice, the children were very excited to see Go HATANO appear on the pitch!
"Wow! It's the real Go HATANO!" "Seriously!?" Cheers and surprised voices rose, and the venue was instantly filled with excitement.
From the warm-up, the children actively communicated with player Go HATANO by moving together and exchanging the ball.
After warming up, the GK training starts immediately!
Player Go HATANO carefully taught the basics of goalkeeping, starting with the fundamental "stance."
"It is important to prepare before the ball comes and always keep your hands in a position where you can quickly react and catch the ball." While demonstrating practically, detailed points such as how to grip the ball, how to extend your hands, and the width of your feet are explained in a hands-on manner.
The children listened intently with serious expressions, repeatedly checking while actually mimicking the movements.
Next, we proceeded with "catching" training.
Player Go HATANO said, "Catching is not just about grabbing the ball, but it is important to be aware of matching the shape of your hands to the ball and waiting," and he instructs on the correct hand shape and body usage.
Following advice from player Go HATANO, we practiced actually catching the ball.
Between detailed technical instructions, player Go HATANO called out, "Nice catch!" and "That was good just now!", and smiles gradually increased on the children's faces.
And the main theme of the training, "Shot Stop"
Player Go HATANO himself took a shot, and the children took turns challenging in a showdown format.
The children, who were initially surprised by the professional shooting speed, gradually got the timing and bravely faced it.
When he made a save, the crowd cheered "Nice keeper!", and when he narrowly missed, they encouraged him with "So close!". The venue was filled with a warm atmosphere throughout, accompanied by the voice of player Go HATANO.
Furthermore, player Go HATANO gave precise advice to each individual, such as "With your current movement, take half a step forward" and "Let's fall forward," and it was impressive to see the children applying this to their next play.
After all the training sessions, it's Q&A time with player Go HATANO!
Questions kept coming from the children, such as "Which player did you dislike playing against?" and "What do you focus on when stopping a shot?"
Go HATANO answered every question politely, sharing his origins by saying, "I started as a GK in junior high school, but with effort, you can grow as much as you want." He also sent a passionate message to the young goalkeepers who will lead the future: "Everyone started as a GK earlier than I did. That's why, if you grow at your own pace without rushing, you will definitely achieve results."
The children's eyes sparkled when they heard those words, and it was impressive to see the surrounding parents nodding deeply as well.
After that, there will be a signing session and photo time with all participants.
Player Go HATANO carefully exchanged words with each person, writing autographs while smiling and saying, "Keep doing your best from now on!"
Some children even said firmly, "I will never forget what I learned today!"
It was clear that this day became a special experience.
Finally, a "rock-paper-scissors tournament" was held with the prize being the GK gloves actually used by Go HATANO!
The venue quickly became lively, and when the one remaining winner successfully took the glove, loud applause and cheers erupted.
Both the children who won and those who narrowly lost shook hands with player Go HATANO with smiles, and the event concluded in a warm atmosphere.
