The AFC Grassroots assessors, who visited the island nation earlier this year, gained a comprehensive understanding of the JFA’s programmes and structures that are currently in place, while also being presented with a detailed plan for the future development of the sport.

With as many as 47 member associations across its prefectures, the JFA boasts a robust organisational structure that facilitates widespread participation and development of football at all levels across the country.

 

An integral part of the JFA structure, the grassroots department operates under a unique ‘double pyramid’ model that emphasises both grassroots and elite football development. 

It was also noted that the JFA takes immense care to work closely with its prefectures, educational institutes and the J-League to ensure the possibility of maximum participation across age groups, resulting in almost 26,000 active teams across Japan.

 

The success of this collaborative effort was reflected at the FIFA World Cup 2022 where the Blue Samurai squad featured nine players from university backgrounds, six from the J-League while 13 players had risen through the ranks of school clubs.

Underlining the AFC’s philosophy of harnessing the power of football to usher positive change in society, the JFA also shared the blueprint of a long-term development plan titled “JFA Declaration for Development of Football, 2005–2050” which aims to make Japan the happiest country in the world through football, focusing on recruitment, retention, and lifelong engagement.

 

During the course of the visit, the assessors had the opportunity to hold several constructive discussions with JFA President and former Japan national team captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, and members of the technical staff including JFA Technical Director Masanaga Kageyama.

 

“We are very happy to receive this recognition from the AFC. It is an encouragement to the JFA staff to continue developing grassroots football on a daily basis,” said Kageyama. “We are committed to doing everything in our power to spread and develop football in Asia and will continue to keep up the hard work.”