Shinji Ono, a former member of the Japanese national soccer team, recently inspired a group of young soccer enthusiasts in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, by hosting a lively soccer clinic. On March 20, 2025, the event drew 127 elementary school students eager to learn from the celebrated player.
During the clinic, Ono emphasized the importance of observing one’s surroundings while dribbling, highlighting the need to understand the positions of both friendly teammates and opponents. His engaging demonstrations included skillful ball touches, lifting, and precision passing, which left the children in awe.
After instructional drills, the participants took part in a mini-game, during which Ono interacted closely with the children, showing them the joy of playing soccer. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students smiled and laughed, enjoying what was clearly a memorable experience.
One elementary school student expressed their excitement, saying, "I felt impressed watching the lifting." Another said, "It was a lot of fun to play against a former national representative player; it was a very memorable match." These sentiments reflect the thrill of learning from a professional and the joy of engaging in soccer.
Ono took a moment to convey a deeper message to the young players. He stated, "I would be happy if I could convey through my play the enjoyment of soccer and inspire various imagination and creativity in plays." This sentiment reinforces his commitment to not only teach the skills of soccer but also to spark creativity amongst the children.
The former soccer star also addressed the pressing issues of climate change and its relation to soccer, sharing insights on how factors such as extreme heat and typhoons can impact the game. Ono emphasized, "Understanding the relationship between climate change and soccer, facing extreme heat and typhoons, is crucial for children who wish to enjoy soccer in the future." This educational component aims to equip the young players with knowledge about their environment and how it can affect their ability to play and enjoy soccer.
As the clinic wrapped up, smiles and laughter filled the air, illustrating the success of the event and Ono’s mission to pass on both the joy of soccer and the importance of being aware of how external factors, like climate change, can shape their experiences.
Ono’s efforts resonate deeply, inspiring a new generation of soccer players while equipping them with vital knowledge that extends beyond the sport. As these children walk away from the clinic, they carry with them not just the skills needed to play soccer, but also a sense of responsibility and awareness of their world, thanks to the guidance of a true sports icon.
