The FA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan FA to formalise a partnership between the two national associations.
It is the latest development in The FA’s long history of friendship and co-operation with Japan, representing a shared commitment to working together for the betterment of football and for closer ties between the Japanese and English game.
The MoU will encourage knowledge-sharing and technical exchanges in a number of areas, such as:
- Coach education and grassroots programmes
- Women’s football
- Refereeing
- Disability and Paralympic football
- Joint international development initiatives
Match opportunities will be discussed across all age groups, with both nations’ Women’s U17 teams having already taken part in an international tournament in California earlier this month.
Greg Dyke and Kuniya Daini sign the Memorandum of Understanding
And next month Japan will host two FA coaches as they deliver a two-day FA Coaching Disabled Footballers course.
FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: “We look forward to the opportunity of exchanging ideas, sharing our experience with our JFA colleagues, and as importantly to learning from their expertise.
“I am pleased that disability football and women’s football are areas where we are looking to co-operate, as for me, these are important growth areas of the game, and there is much to learn.”
Japan FA President Kuniya Daini added: “I am very honoured by this meaningful moment of signing the MoU with The FA.
“We will be glad to exchange experiences in different aspects, especially disability and Paralympic football to enhance our support mission towards Tokyo 2020, and also on developments of women’s football for a more powerful future.
“It is my sincere hope that this agreement would deepen our mutual trust that has been built over almost a century and lead both of us to a greater height.”
