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Training method that led Japan to World Cup introduced to young Vietnamese players
For the first time, young Vietnamese players had the opportunity to train under the famous Okada method, guided directly by coaches from Japan
On the morning of October 26, talented young players and coaches attended a football workshop and training session applying Japan's renowned 'Okada method' at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center. The event was part of Mitsubishi Electric's CSR activities, alongside the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 Trophy Tour.
The workshop and training session was attended by Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen - Deputy Director of the Sports Authority of Vietnam Mr. Takashi Nishikuma, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Electric Vietnam, leaders of Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), and former national team players Duong Hong Son, Thach Bao Khanh, and Pham Thanh Luong. This trio won the 2008 AFF Championship under coach Henrique Calisto. Notably, Pham Thanh Luong currently serves as assistant coach to Kim Sang-sik with the Vietnam national team.
In his opening speech, Director Takashi Nishikuma stated: “By welcoming coaches from FC Imabari to Vietnam, Mitsubishi Electric Vietnam believes that together, we can take local football to new heights. Playing football can help children develop comprehensively, maintaining healthy bodies and teamwork skills. We hope this activity will be a special experience for young players, meeting legends and developing football skills.”
At the event, Vietnamese coaches and young players were introduced to and trained in the Okada method by coaches from FC Imabari (Japan's J3 League). The Okada method is named after famous coach Takeshi Okada - who led Japan to their first World Cup appearance in 1998 and to the knockout stages at the 2010 World Cup. This method encourages individual independence and autonomy; requires players to think critically and emphasizes discipline; eliminates instinctive play before age 16; and strengthens the team through individual development. The children were extremely excited to receive guidance from Japanese coaches for the first time. Special exercises were designed to promote players' agility and encourage communication for coordination and trust in teammates.
As one of the 30 young players guided by FC Imabari coaches in the Okada method exercises, Vu Bao Nam (11 years old) shared: “I like the teamwork exercise of keeping the ball in the air the most. That exercise helps me bond with my friends and trains us in persistence to achieve our goals. My dream is to become a left-winger, making runs down the flank and creating spectacular plays.”
The football workshop and training session in Vietnam is one of the events building excitement ahead of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024. The group stage will officially begin on December 8. Vietnam is in Group B alongside Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team aims to advance to the Finals.
