Local News

A new soccer school to open in Iizuka this fall will employ two coaches formerly affiliated with FC Barcelona, one of Spain’s most famous soccer clubs. Carlos Rexach, the former manager of Barcelona who discovered Lionel Messi, will visit several times a year to advise the school on coaching methods, and former player development coach Antonio de la Cruz, will work there full-time. The school, which will be opened by Fukuoka-based job placement agency Guardianship Co., Ltd., will offer training for young soccer players aged 16~23. It will start by recruiting about 40 boys and young men in September and aims to expand to as many as 300 students in the future. It is also considering adding a young women’s course later. Fees will start at ¥50,000/month and the school will have a dormitory and meal plans. The school will also offer correspondence courses in cooperation with Kamimura Gakuen so that students who have not graduated high school yet can obtain diplomas while they train. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 8/17, Official HP: http://rafajapan.jp

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