サッカー部ではこの6月から5ヶ月間オーストラリア人コーチJudaさん（ユダさん）を招いて、トレーニングをしてきました。
コーチからの指示はもちろん、常に英語です。活動の中では、英語でサッカーの戦術的や技術的な指示や、メンタル的なアドバイスを受けたり、ゲーム形式の練習や他校との試合で審判を務めてもったり、あるいは一緒に練習に参加してもらったりと、生徒と関係を築いてきました。
当初は戸惑っている生徒も多かったですが、5ヶ月を通して、少しずつコミュニケーションを取れるようになり、生徒たちの心を開いていきました。
コーチからの指導は10月で終了となりましたが、この5ヶ月間でとてもいい経験をすることができました。
サッカー部顧問
福島
～生徒のコメント～（サッカー部キャプテン）
ユダさんとは約三ヶ月一緒にサッカーをして、サッカーの面はもちろん英語での会話を日々していてサッカーと英語の力をどちらも伸ばすことができました。
このような機会は数少ないと思うので、この期間に培った力をより伸ばせるように今後の活動にも励んでいきたいと思います。
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
（コーチから生徒に送られたメッセージを掲載します）
Dear Seisoku High School Community,
For the last three months since 29 October 2024, I have had the privilege to work with Seisoku High School as an Assistant Soccer Coach.
When I arrived in Japan in August 2023, I came with the intention of studying at the University of Tokyo, learning Japanese at language school, and refereeing with the Tokyo Football Association. I never expected, however, that I would also have the pleasure of helping coach a soccer team, especially as a native English speaker with only a little bit of proficiency in the Japanese language. Therefore, as I look back at my time with the Seisoku High School soccer team, I recognise that such an experience is so rare for someone like me to have in Japan. But, even more than that, I will remember this experience because of the engaging, funny, and interesting students I was able to meet.
Indeed, engaging with the students has been my favorite part about my entire time as an Assistant Coach. For one, I was particularly impressed by the growth of the students in their confidence and ability in English. After encouraging them to speak in English, I was very happy to see them open up and speak more freely about their favourite foods, subjects at school, interests, and future plans. They even made funny jokes in English! Then, when the school’s Autumn Festival season came around, it was a pleasure for me to see their personalities flourish as many of them were in jovial and upbeat moods in preparation for the festival where they could showcase their talent and creativity outside of football. There was an excitement and passionate enjoyment in the air during those training sessions in the schoolyard that I won’t forget anytime soon.
Apart from the schoolyard, our training sessions also took place in various other locations, including Tennozu Park Soccer Field, Shinagawa Minami Futo Park, Shiba Koen, and Aqua Field Shiba Park. Each venue had its different charms, providing unique environments to engage with the students. But, of course, I think the most memorable view during the training sessions was when we could see Tokyo Tower lit up in the night’s sky very close by.
Now, as my time as an Assistant Soccer Coach with the Seisoku High School draws to an end, I want to use this opportunity to say thank you.
First of all, a heartfelt thank you to Fukushima-sensei, a fellow Tokyo FA referee, who was instrumental in helping me navigate the process of becoming a formal Assistant Coach with the school. Without your support, it would have been very difficult to navigate the whole process.
Second, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the teachers – Fukushima-sensei, Izumi-sensei, Ikeda-sensei – and the other assistant coaches – Shuntaro-san and Yoshiki-san – for always welcoming me with open arms at every training session. From the first time I met all of you, you have always shown me hospitality, encouragement, and tremendous generosity.
Finally, thank you to the students for all your hard work and making our conversations very enjoyable. I am especially happy to see those students who started as second-years blossoming into confident leaders within the team. I hope you continue to think about others and to work together in the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. As the great Christian philosopher and writer Paul the Apostle said, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
This experience has been unforgettable and I look forward to continuing to support the community at Seisoku High School from afar.
With warm regards,
Judah Tan (ユダ・タン)
