Football NSW Coaches Deepen Global Connections Through 2026 Japan Coach Education Exchange
Football NSW has proudly celebrated the success of the 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange, an international learning experience that further strengthened the long-standing relationship between Football NSW (FNSW) and the Japan Football Association (JFA).
A cohort of 14 coaches travelled to Japan to take part in a high-performance coach education program, gaining rare insight into one of the world’s most respected football development systems. The exchange provided a unique opportunity for professional learning, cultural exchange, and first-hand observation of elite academy environments across both the men’s and women’s games.
Throughout the program, the coaches visited a number of leading J League and WE League clubs, each recognised for their strong football identity, technical excellence, and commitment to long-term player development. Club visits included:
- Cerezo Osaka
- Tokyo Verdy
- JEF United Chiba
- Urawa Red Diamonds
- Gamba Osaka
At each location, participants observed training sessions, explored academy structures, and engaged in in-depth discussions with academy coaches and technical staff. These visits highlighted the consistency of Japan’s development philosophy from grassroots to elite level, particularly in areas such as coach alignment, game-based learning, and clearly defined player pathways.
The exchange also included visits to the JFA Academy Sakai and the Japan Football Association Headquarters, offering coaches a broader understanding of how national strategy, coach education, and talent identification are integrated across the Japanese football system.
A standout highlight of the program was the opportunity to reconnect with Kimura Yasuhiko, Director of Coach Education at the JFA and a highly respected figure in global coach development. Kimura-san, who was a guest speaker at the 2025 FNSW Coaching Conference in Sydney, played a key role throughout the visit, reinforcing the strong and collaborative relationship between FNSW and JFA.
In a memorable and inspiring moment, Kimura-san introduced the cohort to Hajime Moriyasu, Head Coach of the Japan Men’s National Team. The opportunity to meet and hear from a national team head coach operating at the highest level of international football proved both humbling and motivating, underscoring the value of global connection and shared learning in coach development.
The Japan Coach Education Exchange reflects Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class development opportunities for coaches, ensuring they return to Australia inspired, informed, and better equipped to positively impact players and the wider football community.
Football NSW extends its sincere thanks to the Japan Football Association, participating clubs, and all hosts who generously shared their time, expertise, and passion for the game.
