Tokyo, October 23, 2018 - Rakuten, Inc. and Rakuten Vissel Kobe, Inc., have announced their decision to create the first “Iniesta’s Methodology” Soccer Academy in Japan. The academy will make use of unique methods developed by Andrés Iniesta, who is currently signed to Vissel Kobe, a soccer club operated by the Rakuten Group company Rakuten Vissel Kobe. To start, a one-day session will be held on Sunday, November 25 at the Vissel Kobe practice ground “Ibuki-no-Mori Football Field” located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Applications will open today on the Vissel Kobe website.
Iniesta’s Methodology is a soccer academy that trains young players on the unique soccer style, techniques and vision of Andrés Iniesta developed through his career with 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 learn the training techniques and methodology that are the foundation of Iniesta’s world-class skills directly from coaches who teach at Iniesta’s Methodology camps in Spain and have been involved in Iniesta’s personal training. Players who join the academy will also receive support from former Japanese national team players and Vissel Kobe’s soccer school coaches in order to further improve the level of training provided. Additionally, Iniesta plans to join a gathering of participants to be held after the training session ends.
Rakuten and Rakuten Vissel Kobe hope that having Iniesta as a member of Vissel Kobe will not only strengthen the team but also help to further propel the sport of soccer in Japan. The two companies believe that providing training to young players through this academy is of great importance, and are planning to continue a roll-out of Iniesta’s Methodology into 2019, creating the first location in Japan where this training will be provided.
Both companies will continue their efforts in the field, aiming to both empower people through sports, and for Vissel Kobe to become the number one club in Asia.