Following the completion of the first two modules in Japan, the candidates reconvened for the third instalment on the sidelines of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League™ Finals.

The 10-day programme was specifically aimed at providing the participants with a holistic understanding of the tenets that make for an elite head coach, beyond technical acumen.

Led by the JFA and the AFC’s experts, the initial days were focused on exploring topics such as best practices in mentoring and attending referees’ training sessions, after which the attention shifted to the two Semi-final clashes.

The last four matches, along with the Final, not only allowed the candidates to observe training sessions and prepare technical reports on team performances, but also provided an opportunity to attend press conferences and gain insight into how elite head coaches manage the media, in the face of triumph as well as defeat.

AFC Deputy Technical Director Takeshi Ono said: “The third module really helped the participants to understand the various components at play behind the scenes, which are crucial to grasp.

“As head coaches, it is not enough to simply be good technicians. Holding the third module in China PR alongside the inaugural edition of the AFC Women’s Champions League™ provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the key aspects of team leadership, including developing leadership skills and understanding cultural differences.”

Aya Takematsu, one of the participants from the JFA, added: “It has been a pleasure to be part of this dynamic course, with each module offering new learning experiences.

“We have gained a great deal of knowledge, especially against the backdrop of this historic competition, and we are all hoping to complete this course as leaders equipped with the skills required to perform our duties as professional head coaches.

Images courtesy of ©JFA/PR