SCHOOL REPORTS School Reports

Go HATANO from the top team participated as a special guest at the Goalkeeper Clinic held in October 2025 (Omori and Koganei venues)!

Since it was a surprise appearance without prior notice, the children were extremely excited to see Go HATANO appear on the pitch!

"Wow! It's the real Go HATANO!" "Seriously!?" Cheers and surprised voices erupted, and the venue was instantly filled with excitement.

From the warm-up, the children actively communicated with Go HATANO by moving together and exchanging balls.

After the warm-up, the GK training started right away!

Go HATANO carefully taught the basics of goalkeeping, starting with the "ready stance."

"It is important to prepare before the ball comes and always keep your hands in a position where you can quickly react and catch the ball." He explained practical details such as how to grip the ball, hand positioning, and foot spacing, using demonstrations.

The children listened intently with serious expressions, repeatedly checking by imitating the movements themselves.

Next, we proceeded with the "catching" training.

Player HATANO explained, "Catching is not just about grabbing the ball, but it is important to be aware of matching your hand shape to the ball and waiting," and he instructed on the correct hand shape and body usage.

Following advice from Go HATANO, the children practiced actually catching the ball.

Between detailed technical instructions, Go HATANO encouraged the children with phrases like "Nice catch!" and "That was great just now!", and smiles gradually grew on their faces.

And then, the main theme of the training: "Shot Stopping"

Go HATANO himself took shots, and the children took turns challenging him in a face-off format.
Although the children were initially surprised by the speed of the professional shots, they gradually got the timing and bravely faced the challenge.

When a save was made, Go HATANO’s voice encouraging with “Nice keeper!” and when a shot was narrowly missed, “So close!” filled the venue with a warm atmosphere throughout.

Furthermore, Go HATANO gave precise advice to each child, such as “If you move like that, step half a pace forward” and “Let’s fall forward,” leaving a strong impression as the children applied these tips to their next plays.

After all the training was finished, it was time for a Q&A session with Go HATANO!

Questions came one after another from the children, such as "Which opponent did you dislike facing?" and "What do you focus on when stopping a shot?"

Go HATANO answered every question carefully, sharing his own beginnings by saying, "I started as a GK in junior high, but with effort, you can grow as much as you want," and sent a passionate message to the young goalkeepers of the future: "Everyone started as a GK earlier than I did. That’s why, if you grow at your own pace without rushing, you will definitely see results."

The children’s eyes sparkled upon hearing those words, and it was impressive to see the surrounding parents nodding deeply in agreement.

After that, it was time for an autograph session and photo shoot with all the participants.

Player Hatano exchanged kind words with each individual, and while signing autographs, he cheerfully encouraged them by saying, "Keep doing your best from now on!"

Among them, there was a child who said firmly, "I will never forget what I was taught today!"

It was clear that this day became a special experience.

Finally, a "rock-paper-scissors tournament" was held for the goalkeeper gloves actually used by Go HATANO!

The venue instantly became lively, and when the one remaining winner successfully took the gloves, loud applause and cheers erupted.

Both the winning children and those who narrowly lost shook hands with player Go HATANO with smiles, and the event concluded in a warm atmosphere.