Global
Global
The Philippines gained invaluable knowledge for their soccer future when Mitsubishi Electric, the title sponsor of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024, held a coaching clinic at Tuloy Sa Don Bosco, a world class center for the poor, abandoned, abused and neglected out-of-school children.
The coaching clinic was led by Isao Dobashi, junior coach of J3 FC Imabari club, who spoke about the Okada Method, a method that prioritizes developing Football IQ to enhance the quality of the player alongside talent and physicality.
The method, as the name suggests, was developed by legendary Japanese player Takeshi Okada, who helped lead the Japanese national team to the World Cup for the first time in 1998.
A total of 30 children, 15 boys and 15 girls, and a team of coaches attended the training at the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco soccer field from 10am to 12pm.
Filipino legend Misagh Bahadoran said he was very happy with the Okada Method coaching clinic. According to him, this method is very much in line with today's modern football which requires quick thinking and decision-making.
“We are in the modern football now. Modern football is not about long passes and running and physical, most of the players have to learn how to make a fast decision and quick passes. So, I think this program is very good for younger generation to create this agility and fast thinking,” said Misagh.
In line with Misagh, young Philippine national team player Uriel Dalapo was also very happy with the Okada Method coaching clinic. According to the 20-year-old, the method introduced to the kids and the coaching team at Tuloy Sa Don Bosco is the best way to play soccer in the current time.
“I really believe that this is like a perfect way of playing football. because in football it's not just physical, it's more on mental. Like even though you're fatigued but you're mentally ready to do it, then the physical fatigue won't be a hinder for you,” Uriel said.
“It's all about quick decision making, so I really believe this is how everyone should play football.”
The children who participated in this activity also seemed to really enjoy the Okada Method training session even though it was conducted under the scorching sun. That's because the training was fun but also demanded high concentration and neat cooperation with each other.
