First batch of matches completed in Japan

Liam Watson

Japan’s second and third divisions of football were resumed over the weekend as the first batch of matches have been completed to begin the restart.

In total, 16 matches were played between the two divisions, making it the first competitive outing across Japan since all play was suspended in late February.

The J2 second division held nine matches in the second round of the league, while the J3 third division had seven matches in what was their opening round of the season. All matches were played behind closed doors.

However, for the moment fans won’t be able to attend matches, as one of the main strict protocols that the top-flight J1 League has imposed. They must be followed in order for matches to continue safely in a week’s time.

Measures such as regular testing for players and staff every two weeks, plus new rules when training and travelling are key to getting these competitions up and running.

All clubs will be required to announce if any players, staff members or close contacts have tested positive to ensure that matches can be played under medical recommendations.

Social distancing will be maintained wherever possible, as game day procedures have been outlined. Displaying club flags, handshakes and pennant exchanges are not allowed, while players and coaches need to be two metres apart for group photos.

During the match it is advised that handshakes, hugs and uniform exchanges cannot take place, while appropriate distancing must be kept in goal celebrations. Players are encouraged not to share water bottles and cool off their bodies by using sponges dipped in ice water.

In a cautious approach, fan-made banners and flags won’t be seen in the stands even behind closed doors. It aims to reduce the number of interactions between fans and club staff.These interactions also include the media, with Zoom utilised for post-match press conferences.

The J1 League won’t begin their restart until July 4, as their first batch of matches comes a week later than the other leagues. Depending on the ever-changing coronavirus situation, it is hoped that spectators can slowly return to games in the near future, by building up the crowd numbers.

Previous ArticleNext Article

GIS and ACPE join forces to strengthen football coaching and tactical development

Avatar

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) and Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) will support Hills Football Association in delivering a specialist coaching workshop designed to improve player development, tactical understanding and performance analysis.

Taking place on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at the ACPE campus in Sydney Olympic Park, the workshop will bring together experienced football coaches and performance analysts to explore practical approaches to developing players’ tactical awareness, decision-making and understanding of the game.

Titled Developing and Supporting Players’ Tactical Understanding, the event will run from 6pm to 8.30pm and feature two workshops focused on translating coaching theory and performance analysis into practical learning environments.

Former Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni, who has also led the national women’s teams of the United States, Canada and New Zealand, will present the first session, Working with International Players.

The workshop will examine how coaches can design training sessions that develop tactical execution under realistic match conditions, with an emphasis on practice design, player decision-making and effective coaching behaviours.

The second session, From Video to Understanding, will be facilitated by experienced performance analysts from GIS and ACPE.

Participants will explore how match footage can be used to strengthen tactical learning, encourage player reflection and develop independent decision-making.

The session will also examine how coaches can structure effective video reviews that align with coaching objectives and a team’s playing model.

Supporting the next generation of football coaches

The initiative highlights the growing importance of combining traditional coaching methods with modern performance analysis to support player development across Australian football.

As clubs and football organisations increasingly seek to improve coaching standards, access to practical education and industry expertise remains an important component of developing more effective learning environments.

The workshop is designed for coaches seeking player-centred approaches that encourage footballers to read the game, understand tactical situations and make better decisions on the pitch.

Participants will receive two hours of Football Australia Continuing Professional Development (CPD) recognition.

For GIS, the collaboration provides another opportunity to connect its specialist sports education and analytics expertise with the practical demands of football coaching.

The institute delivers postgraduate sports education through online learning and stadium-based campuses internationally, including Sydney’s Allianz Stadium and SCG.

Its Sydney offering includes the Master of Sports Analytics and Master of International Sports Business, supporting the development of professionals across the sporting industry.

ACPE, established in 1917 and based at Sydney Olympic Park, brings extensive experience in sport, health and physical education, with a strong emphasis on industry-focused learning and practical professional development.

Together with Hills Football Association, the two education providers aim to equip coaches with practical knowledge that can be applied directly within their football environments.

Event details

  • Event: Developing and Supporting Players’ Tactical Understanding
  • Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
  • Time: 6pm to 8.30pm
  • Venue: ACPE Campus, 10 Parkview Drive, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
  • Presenter: Tom Sermanni
  • Facilitators: Performance analysts from ACPE and GIS
  • CPD: Two hours of Football Australia Continuing Professional Development

Coaches interested in attending are encouraged to register through the event’s official registration channel.

For more information about the education providers, visit Global Institute of Sport and Australian College of Physical Education.

Football NSW backs 20 female coaches with qualification scholarships

Avatar
Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has supported 20 female coaches to complete their AFC/Football Australia C Diploma qualification in 2026, using scholarships funded through Football Australia and CommBank’s Growing Football Fund to reduce the cost of coach education.

The initiative included a dedicated female-only C Diploma course delivered by Football NSW in April and May, attended by 13 coaches. An additional seven received support to complete courses closer to their local communities, improving access for coaches across metropolitan and regional New South Wales.

Football NSW Head of Women’s and Schools Football Hayley Todd said the scholarships had helped address a key barrier to coaching development.

“These scholarships have helped remove a significant barrier for many female coaches seeking to progress their coaching journey,” Todd said.

Todd said the combination of a female-only course and support for locally accessible qualifications had created pathways for 20 women to develop their skills and contribute to football in their communities.

The program reflects an ongoing challenge for the sport: increasing women’s participation also requires investment in the coaches who lead teams, develop players and help shape club environments.

By helping cover qualification costs, the scholarships give recipients an opportunity to strengthen their coaching knowledge and leadership capabilities while expanding the pool of qualified female coaches available to clubs.

The support also connects to the wider Growing Football Fund, a joint Football Australia and CommBank initiative aimed at creating more opportunities for women and girls in the game.

The fund’s community grant program offers eligible clubs and associations grants of up to $5,000 to help attract or retain women and girls in football, with applications for the 2026–27 round closing on 20 October 2026.

The governing body also offers Women in Football Coaching Scholarships worth 50 per cent of course costs, with applications limited.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend