A soccer school produced by Keisuke Honda, opened in November of last year in Phnom Penh. We immediately went to see what kind of practice takes place there.

The idea for the school was born from Honda’s desire to convey the importance of having a dream through soccer. Starting with the opening of an Osaka school in 2012, locations have increased. In addition to “SOLTILO FAMILIA SOCCER SCHOOL” for elementary school age students, courses for middle school and high school ages are offered and now there are more than sixty Japanese locations with about 4000 participants.

A feature of this school is the unique curriculum and the master level of coaching. The curriculum is divided into over 25 different programs that Honda helped plan himself. Underneath this curriculum, all coache sregularly partake in “guidance training”, so all schools are standardized.

The Phnom Penh school is the second international location to open after Shanghai. The school is for elementary school age and below, divided into three categories, U-6, U-9, and U-12. There is no entrance test and beginners are welcome. Each category holds practice once a week for one hour. One appeal is the diverse students; Japanese, Cambodia, Taiwanese, etc. and Japanese and Cambodian coaches giving instructions in English.

The students are encouraged to make their own decisions and judgements, so as to teach skills for adulthood as well.

On December 26, Honda visited the newly-opened school in Cambodia and taught soccer to children at this special event.

The school is held in two locations, at Tuol Kouk District’s “Rooy 7 Sport Club” and the “3G Mini Football Pitch =photo=” next to AEON Mall, about 30 students now (as of January 2017).

During practice, children are given many options and made to decide on their own. By teaching the importance of trying something, without worry about success or failure, there is an atmosphere of happiness at being able to try and succeed at new things.

Before and after practice a proper greeting is made. Students acquire discipline and cooperation by cleaning up after practice together with their coaches.

Each class has “Discussion Time”. With the aim to encourage independence, children present their ideas in front of the class.

SOLTILO is organized like a pyramid enabling students to grow, starting with elementary school students, middle school (Junior Youth), High school (U-18), and at the top is SV Horn in the Austrian  First League.

The local manager, Shogo Tsujii, also works as a school coach. With experience in coaching youth soccer in both Japan and Cambodia, he is energetic in his work and is always thinking of what he can do for his students.