John Carlo Bantillo Hopes To Play Overseas

John Carlo Bantillo enjoying game training the most and targeting to play abroad to help his family’s economy

John Carlo Bantillo is one of the lucky young players from the Philippines who had the opportunity to learn the Okada Method, a unique training approach developed by legendary Japanese coach Takeshi Okada.

John, a 13-year-old player from Tuloy Sa Don Bosco, attended the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 Football Clinic at the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco Football Field in Muntinlupa on November 9.

John experienced a lot of unique training sessions led by Isao Dobashi, head of youth coaching at J3 League team FC Imabari in Japan, and told us that he enjoyed the “playing time” the most.

Coach Dobashi trains the kids with lots of fun games and drills before splitting the boys and girls up to play a mini-match where the kids are instructed to apply what they have learnt before the match.

John enjoyed the whole process and was happy to try new and fun training, which can also be difficult at first: “I have to concentrate (a lot), I have to look at the ball and look at my friend before making a pass. The most difficult part is when you have to throw the ball (high) and pass (the other ball) to your friends and catch the ball (you throw earlier)”.

John takes part in the Okada Method training with enjoyment but also with seriousness, hoping to gain as much experience as possible to help him grow as a player so he can help his family's economy.

“My dream is to play overseas. I hope I can help my family because we are poor.”

With the determination and eagerness he shows during training, and the experience gained from the coaching clinic, especially with the Okada Method, John's hopes and dreams will always be within reach.