G'day from Japhet! Defender joins students for virtual Q&A Down Under

Japhet Tanganga joined students from our Global Football Development Programme in Australia today for a virtual Q&A about the importance of staying motivated during their current COVID-19 lockdown.

The defender answered questions from 10 students from the University of Wollongong, who have been a part of our Global Football Development programme since February 2020.

Our Global Football Development coaches deliver world-class technical programmes, educational talks, workshops, and exercises classes around the world with the aim to keep children physically active and promote a positive mental wellbeing.

Our expert coaches showcase the authentic training methods developed within the Club’s Academy and have a proven track record of developing players from grassroots to an elite level across the world, as well as supporting all individuals at all levels of the game.

During the call, the group had the opportunity to learn more about Japhet’s journey from Academy to first team player, as well as speaking about the importance of discipline and organisation when studying and playing football.

Japhet was also on hand to share some words of advice to the students helping them to stay motivated and inspired during New South Wales’s current COVID-19 lockdown.

Speaking after the call, Japhet said: “It was great to be able to speak with students from our Global Football Development programme in Australia today. Being able to connect with different nationalities is really fantastic and hopefully I was able to inspire them to stay positive and motivated during this difficult time. They are all hard-working and enthusiastic students and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Student Harry Lloyd commented: “Being able to chat to Japhet gave us all an insight into what it takes to play football at the highest level. It was great to learn about the right mindset need to achieve our goals and he definitely pointed us in the right direction. With us currently being in lockdown, it was really uplifting to be able to speak with Japhet and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Anton Blackwood, Senior International Football Development Manager, said: “It was great having Japhet engage with the players on our Global Football Programme today. Japhet provided valuable messages and a real insight into his player pathway which I am sure will inspire the players and have a significant impact on their own individual player development journey. Hopefully by speaking with Japhet, the students feel more positive, and their spirits have been lifted during this difficult time.”