Arsenal Soccer Schools expand in Japan

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce the further expansion of Arsenal Soccer Schools in Japan.

Following the successful introduction of summer camps in Yokohama and Kagoshima in 2012, a new Soccer School will open in Ichikawa, Chiba, in April 2014.

The school, operated in conjunction with SGEducation Co.Ltd., will be based at a state-of-the-art facility outside Tokyo. Coaches, trained by Arsenal, will deliver weekly and holiday training programmes to boys and girls of all ability levels from Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo, teaching them to play the Arsenal way.

A number of free places will be made available to less advantaged children within the local community.

Arsenal Soccer Schools’ coaching programmes are based on the principles and methods developed by manager Arsène Wenger. The Ichikawa soccer school will look to build on the passion that the region already has for football, and its opening has been welcomed by the Mayor of Ichikawa, Hiroshi Okubo.

Arsenal and Japan international Ryo Miyaichi, who has benefited from the Gunners' training techniques since arriving at the Club in 2011, said: “As Arsenal’s tour last summer proved there are many football lovers in Japan and many people who love Arsenal too.

"I would have loved the chance to go on a course like this when I was growing up, and I’m sure youngsters in Ichikawa and beyond will have a great time at the school!”

Mr Kenichi Kohno, of SGEduction, said: “We are excited to be bringing Arsenal Soccer Schools to Ichikawa. Our aim in working with Arsenal is to inspire children of all ability levels to develop their football skills in a fun and safe environment.

"Through football, we hope to help participants build confidence and a sense of teamwork too. We are looking forward to teaching local boys and girls to play the Arsenal way!”

For further information on the Ichikawa Arsenal Soccer School visit www.playthearsenalway.com/ichikawa