Rakuten Officially Opens the “Iniesta’s Methodology” Soccer Academy Based on Soccer Player Andrés Iniesta’s Unique Methods

Tokyo, May 20, 2019 - Rakuten, Inc. will officially open the “Iniesta’s Methodology” soccer academy on Sunday, June 23 at two venues, J-GREEN SAKAI (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture) and Amagasaki Sports Forest (Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture). This soccer academy is based on unique methods developed by Andrés Iniesta, who is currently signed to Vissel Kobe, the soccer club of the Rakuten Group. Recruitment of participants for the trial sessions to be held from June 2 to June 22 started today through the newly opened Iniesta’s Methodology website.

Iniesta’s Methodology is a soccer academy that aims to train young players and pass on to future generations the unique soccer style, techniques and vision of Andrés Iniesta, developed through his career with the legendary soccer club FC Barcelona, as well as with the Spanish national team, which he led to victory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Participants of the academy will get the opportunity to learn the training techniques and methodology that are the foundation of Iniesta’s world-class skills, as well as his values that are regarded as a model for all soccer players. Instruction will be given by a number of Spanish coaches who have come to Japan specifically for this academy, including Juan Carlos, as well as outstanding Japanese coaches, all of whom Iniesta himself has placed his confidence in.

Prior to the official opening of the academy on June 23, Iniesta’s Methodology Media Preview Event will be held on May 29 for elementary school students residing in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, one of the venues of the academy. Additionally, trial sessions that allow participants to experience actual training will also be held at both venues from June 2 to June 22. Applications for the trial sessions are now being accepted as of May 20.

The launch of this academy was inspired by Iniesta’s strong desire to nurture future generations, a sentiment shared by Rakuten, which advocates the empowerment of people through sports. Iniesta’s Methodology – Special Edition, a one-day-only event held in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture in November last year, was well-received. Through this academy, Rakuten aims to develop a sense of humanity among young players just like Iniesta, and nurture the next generation of players who are able to play an active role on the global stage. By doing so, it hopes to contribute to the further development of Japan’s soccer scene. The company also aims to continually expand the Iniesta’s Methodology soccer academy, and plans to establish new locations outside of the Kansai region in the future.

Going forward, Rakuten will continue to undertake various initiatives aimed at empowering people through sports.

Overview of Iniesta’s Methodology

Name: Iniesta’s Methodology

Operated by: Rakuten, Inc.

Official opening: Sunday, June 23
*Trial sessions will be held from Sunday, June 2 to Saturday, June 22 (excluding Wednesdays and Fridays).

URL: https://iniestamethodology.jp/

How to apply: Applications start today (Monday, May 20) for the trial sessions to be held from Sunday, June 2 to Saturday, June 22

Applications to join Iniesta's Methodology soccer academy, which opens on Sunday, June 23, will start being accepted as of Thursday, May 30.
* Applications for both accepted via the official website above.

Venues: J-GREEN SAKAI (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture), Amagasaki Sports Forest (Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Instructors: Juan Carlos (Head Coach, former La Liga Train the Trainer project instructor)

Intended for: Male and female students ages 5 to 12 (Kindergarten students to students in grade 6 of elementary school, total of 400 participants)
*Participants will be selected via a draw if the number of applicants exceeds the quota.

Monthly fees: 23,000 yen (Once-per-week course) / 36,000 yen (Twice-per-week course)
*Trial session: 3,000 yen per session (Maximum of one session per person)

Overview of Iniesta’s Methodology Media Preview Event

Date and time: Wednesday, May 29, 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Venue: J-GREEN SAKAI (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture)

Instructors: Juan Carlos (Head Coach, former La Liga Train the Trainer project instructor)

Participating players: Andrés Iniesta (Vissel Kobe)

Intended for: Male and female elementary school students in grades 3 and 4, residing in Sakai City (total of 30 participants)
*Not open to applications from the general public

Participation fees: Free