JFA creates new coaching licenses for female coaches

Avatar

The Japan Football Association (JFA) has announced plans to create an Associate-Pro (A-Pro) Licence Coaching Course to produce more female coaches.

Japan is set to introduce the WE League, a new women’s football league in 2021 – the A-Pro license and course has been created to see women become coaches at WE League clubs.

The JFA said that the league will be the foundation for growth of women’s football in Japan.

“This project was launched with the intention to reignite the popularity of women’s football in Japan ahead of the kick-off of the WE League. Football’s player population has currently hit the ceiling in Japan, but women’s football still has great potential for growth,” Vice Technical Director of the JFA Technical Committee, Ono Takeshi said.

“With the growth of our football family, more families will talk about football and attend more football matches, and that is the future we are envisioning. By making football part of our culture, we strongly believe that we can heighten the overall level of football in Japan.”

The course will involve both lectures and practical components. International opportunities such as training courses and language classes will also be held, with the hope that participants will be able to work overseas after the completion of the course.

“The ‘Nadeshiko Vision’ is a principle that is set to heighten the overall level of women’s football in Japan. In 2015, part of the article was amended from ‘everyone involved in women’s football’ to ‘everyone involved in Japanese football’,” Chair of JFA Women’s Committee, Imai Junko said.

“The development of women’s football cannot be accomplished without the support of the entire Japanese football community, and the development of women’s football will certainly contribute to raise the overall level of football in Japan.

“The participation of female coaches must be promoted at licensing programmes of all levels, and the support from technical committees and women’s committees from each prefectural FA is essential. We will provide our utmost efforts to achieve optimal and sustainable results (through the kick-off of the WE League and the A-Pro licence project).”

The WE League will become the top level of women’s football in Japan from autumn 2021. The new competition takes the place of the current Nadeshiko League and will feature between six to 10 teams.

The league’s name comes from the acronym for ‘women’s empowerment’ and is Japan’s first professional women’s football league.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

Avatar
Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

‘Back together!’ – SD Raiders FC announce partnership with GIOCA

Avatar
SD Raiders FC

In an announcement made via social media on Friday, SD Raiders FC revealed they would be collaborating once more with sports brand and apparel supplier GIOCA. 

 

Old partners, new goals

While the SD Raiders and GIOCA only announced the news of their upcoming collaboration on Friday, the bond between these two organisations goes back nearly a decade. 

One of GIOCA’S first club partners was with SD Raiders FC back in 2016. The recent announcement highlights the strong connections established with the club which have endured nearly a decade later. 

“Back together! A full circle moment as we re-join forces with SD Raiders FC – one of our very first club partners all those years ago,” GIOCA said via an announcement on social media. 

As SD Raiders look to tackle their first season in the NPL NSW, reigniting a longstanding relationship with GIOCA will be an invaluable source of support for the club both on and off the pitch. 

 

By footballers, for footballers

What sets GIOCA apart from other apparel suppliers in Australia is the links engrained within the company to the footballing world. The brand prides itself on being created by current and former professionals to ensure their clients and partners receive high-quality apparel, custom jerseys and football accessories. 

Since its inception 10 years ago, GIOCA has grown into a highly-regarded sports brand in Australia, with operations expanding across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. SD Raiders FC will join several clubs due to partner with GIOCA in 2026, including Ormeau FC (QLD), Narellan Rangers Soccer Club (NSW) and North Coast Football. 

 

A recipe for success

GIOCA stands as an exciting partner for SD Raiders FC not just for the apparel services they provide, but for their history of working with clubs aiming for success. 

Just last season, the brand worked with NWS Spirit as they clinched the NPL NSW title, as well as with Melbourne-based side, Bentleigh Greens, who achieved promotion to the NPL VIC. SD Raiders FC will no doubt be hoping that their reestablished connections with GIOCA will lead to similar levels of success in 2026 and beyond.

Click here for more information about the services offered by GIOCA.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend