Wataru GOTO from the top team and Ryota Inoue, the top team assistant goalkeeper coach, participated as special guests in the goalkeeper clinic held in November 2025 (Koganei venue)!
The training started with a warm-up.
Player Goto carefully checks 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 speak up clearly!"
"Great! Your voice is loud!"
And actively spoke to the children.
The children were initially nervous, but thanks to player Goto's bright and passionate encouragement, their smiles gradually increased, 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 went around the groups, speaking directly to each individual.
"Is this hand shape okay?"
"Let's try to receive the ball more in front of the body."
The children listen intently with serious expressions to such detailed advice.
Coach Inoue instructs decision-making in realistic situations while actually throwing the ball.
"In a match, there is no such thing as a perfectly delivered ball. That's why preparation and stance are important."
At those words, the children's eyes grew even more serious.
After basic training, we moved on to more practical shot-stopping practice.
The coaches pass the ball, and the forward player takes a shot.
This is an intense training where the goalkeeper stops it.
Player Goto said, "Move quickly and get ready to wait!" and "Prepare to stop early!" While actually demonstrating himself, he conveyed the importance of timing and positioning.
During the demonstration, the children watching up close were amazed by the professional speed and reactions, exclaiming, "So fast!" and "It's amazing how they stop that!"
Each time, we could see the children playing with all their might, determined not to lose when it was their turn!
The last exercise was a practical training session where the goal was defended in a 2 vs 1 situation.
Player Goto said, "Stopping shots is important, but moving the defense to prevent shots is also the goalkeeper's job," and while demonstrating how he calls out to his fellow defenders to adjust their positions, he taught the importance of communication during the match.
The children showed expressions of understanding, saying "I see" and "It's easier to defend if we raise our voices," and by the end of the training, their voices had become more than twice as loud as at the beginning!
After all the training is finished, it's time for autographs and photo sessions.
The children were happily getting autographs on their uniforms and gloves from player Goto and coach Inoue!
It was wrapped in a calm atmosphere, different from practice♪
After the photo session, there was a giveaway of goalkeeper gloves signed by player Goto, which he actually used!
A rock-paper-scissors tournament was held, and one lucky winner took home the valuable glove!
The smiles of the children who won, and the expressions of their friends applauding around them, were very impressive.
Finally, Coach Inoue said, "I want you to continue playing with the same passion as today. Don't be afraid of making mistakes; challenging yourself leads to growth."
Player Goto said, "If you practice hard, you will surely surpass yourself and the goalkeepers of FC Tokyo. If you keep making efforts, opportunities will definitely come."
Each sent a powerful message, and the children nodded with serious expressions.
This goalkeeper clinic was a special time where participants could not only improve their skills but also closely experience the "professional attitude" and "serious spirit."
At the FC Tokyo Soccer and Futsal School, we will continue to hold events unique to FC Tokyo!
